Sturgis, Michigan Public Records

Michigan residents can register to vote online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote if they have a valid Michigan driver's license or state ID. In-person registration is available at the Saint Joseph County Clerk's office, city clerk's offices, Secretary of State branch offices, or designated voter registration agencies. The state offers same-day voter registration during early voting periods and on Election Day itself, though proof of residency is required. Voters must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of Michigan and the city or township where they register. The city conducts municipal elections for mayor and city council positions. Operating under a council-manager form of government, the community elects a mayor and council members on staggered terms. City elections typically take place in November of odd-numbered years, with the next municipal election scheduled for November 2025. Candidate filing information, local ballot proposals, and sample ballots become available through both the City Clerk at Sturgis City Hall and the Saint Joseph County Clerk's office several weeks before each election. Local millage proposals for schools, libraries, or city services may also appear on ballots. Residents can locate their assigned polling place using the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote by entering their name and date of birth or address. The system displays precinct assignments, polling location addresses, and sample ballots for upcoming elections. The city maintains multiple voting precincts throughout its boundaries, with polling places typically situated in schools, community centers, and public buildings. Under Michigan law, voter registration lists are public records available for purchase by eligible requesters including political committees and nonprofit voter engagement organizations, though use restrictions apply. Campaign finance records for state and local candidates are searchable through the Michigan Secretary of State's Campaign Finance portal. Candidate filing information, nomination petitions, and financial disclosure forms are all public records. Election results by precinct are published by the Saint Joseph County Clerk after certification and are available to the public. In the November 2024 presidential election, St. Joseph County saw strong voter turnout with approximately 65% of registered voters casting ballots, consistent with statewide participation rates in this competitive swing state. The county's results reflected Michigan's closely divided electorate, with detailed precinct-level results available through the Saint Joseph County Clerk's office. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, voters in the city and throughout St. Joseph County will decide several significant races. Michigan does not have a U.S. Senate seat up for election in 2026 (next in 2026 for Gary Peters' seat), but voters will elect the Governor, as Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited. The entire Michigan House of Representatives (110 seats) will be on the ballot, as House members serve two-year terms. Voters will also elect a new Secretary of State and Attorney General, both currently held by Democrats. Locally, St. Joseph County will elect county commissioners, prosecutor, sheriff, clerk/register of deeds, treasurer, and drain commissioner. State representative districts covering the area will also be decided. Depending on the cycle, county road commissioner positions may also appear on the ballot. Michigan offers absentee voting. Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Requests can be submitted online through the Michigan Voter Information Center, by mail, or in person at the Saint Joseph County Clerk's office or local city clerk. Applications must be received by 5:00 PM the Friday before Election Day for mail delivery, though voters can request and receive absentee ballots in person at the clerk's office through 4:00 PM on the Monday before Election Day. Completed absentee ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day, either by mail (postmarks do not count), in person at clerk's offices, or at designated drop boxes. The state also offers early in-person voting beginning nine days before Election Day at designated early voting sites.