Saline, Michigan Public Records

Michigan residents can register to vote online at www.michigan.gov/vote through the Michigan Voter Information Center. The state allows registration up to and including Election Day through same-day registration at clerk's offices and polling places, though proof of residency is required. Acceptable identification includes a Michigan driver's license, state ID, current utility bill, bank statement, or government check showing name and address. Registration is also available by mail or in person at Washtenaw County Clerk's office or Saline City Hall. State law requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and Michigan residents for at least 30 days. Municipal elections in the city take place in November of odd-numbered years. The Mayor serves a two-year term, while the seven-member City Council includes members elected to staggered four-year terms. The next municipal elections are scheduled for November 2025. Information about local candidates, ballot proposals, and campaign finance disclosures is available through Washtenaw County Clerk's Elections Division and the Saline City Clerk at 734-429-4907. Candidates for local office file nominating petitions with the city clerk. Residents can locate their assigned polling place through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote. By entering a name and date of birth, voters access registration status, polling location with address and hours, sample ballots, and absentee ballot tracking. Local polling places have included Saline City Hall, Saline Middle School, Liberty School, and Pleasant Ridge Elementary, though specific assignments depend on precinct boundaries. Michigan law classifies voter registration lists as public records available for purchase for political purposes. Campaign finance reports for candidates and ballot committees are publicly searchable through the Michigan Secretary of State's Campaign Finance Reporting system at www.michigan.gov/campaignfinance for state races and through Washtenaw County Clerk for county and local races. Candidate filing information, nominating petitions, and precinct-level results are also public. The county clerk publishes unofficial results on election night and certified results following the county canvass at www.washtenaw.org/1326/Elections. In the November 2024 presidential election, Washtenaw County reported approximately 72% voter turnout with roughly 230,000 ballots cast out of approximately 250,000 registered voters. The county consistently exceeds state participation averages, reflecting a highly educated electorate with strong civic engagement. On November 3, 2026, Michigan voters—including residents here—will decide several significant races. No U.S. Senate seat from Michigan is up that year, as both senators are elected in presidential years. However, the Governor's race will be open because Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited. Voters will also elect the Secretary of State, Attorney General, all 110 Michigan House seats, and 19 Michigan Senate seats in even-numbered districts. Washtenaw County voters will elect County Commissioners for their districts, Sheriff, Prosecuting Attorney, Clerk/Register of Deeds, Treasurer, and Water Resources Commissioner. Saline voters will elect state legislative representation for the 17th Senate District and 47th House District, subject to any redistricting adjustments. Depending on the cycle, judgeships for the 22nd Circuit Court, 15th District Court, or Michigan Court of Appeals may appear on the ballot. Local ballot proposals regarding school millages, library funding, or city charter amendments may also be included. Michigan voters can request absentee ballots without providing a reason following a 2018 constitutional amendment. Residents can request ballots online at www.michigan.gov/vote, by contacting the city clerk at 100 N. Harris Street (734-429-4907), or through Washtenaw County Clerk. Applications must be received by the Friday before Election Day for regular processing, though voters can request and vote an absentee ballot in person at the clerk's office up through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Completed ballots can be returned by mail—postmarked by Election Day and received within six days—delivered to the clerk's office, or placed in secure drop boxes at Saline City Hall and other county locations. The state also offers permanent absentee voter lists, allowing voters to automatically receive applications for every election.