Weston, Michigan Public Records

Michigan residents can register online at www.michigan.gov/vote up to 15 days before an election, or in person at their township clerk's office through Election Day. Online registration requires a valid Michigan driver's license or state ID number. First-time voters who registered by mail must show identification when casting their initial ballot. As an unincorporated community, Weston has no municipal elections for mayor or council. Instead, residents participate in Riga Township elections for supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and trustee positions, typically held in November of even-numbered years or during August primaries for party nominations. Riga Township Board meetings are open to the public under Michigan's Open Meetings Act, with agendas posted in advance. Beyond township races, voters here cast ballots in Lenawee County elections for commissioners, sheriff, clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, prosecuting attorney, and drain commissioner, plus state legislative contests for the Michigan House and Senate, statewide offices, and federal races for U.S. House and Senate. Polling locations can be found at www.michigan.gov/vote by entering an address, or by contacting the Lenawee County Clerk. Most polling places operate from township halls, schools, or community centers. Michigan maintains extensive public election records. The Qualified Voter File (QVF), containing voter registration data except confidential information like birthdates and driver's license numbers, is available for purchase by campaigns and political organizations. The county clerk publishes precinct-level results after each election, available online. Campaign finance reports for county, township, and local candidates are filed with the Lenawee County Clerk and open for public inspection; state-level candidates file at www.michigan.gov/campaignfinance. Candidate filings, nomination petitions, and ballot language for local proposals are also public records at the Lenawee County Clerk's office. In the November 2024 presidential election, Lenawee County saw approximately 60% turnout, with roughly 49,000 registered voters countywide casting ballots. The November 3, 2026 general election will present Weston and Lenawee County voters with several important races. Michigan has no U.S. Senate seat up in 2026, as both senators were elected in 2024 and 2020 respectively. Voters will elect the Governor of Michigan, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General, all four-year terms. The entire Michigan House of Representatives - 110 seats with two-year terms - will be on the ballot, including the district representing Weston. Lenawee County voters will also elect county commissioners for their districts and other county offices depending on the election cycle. Riga Township positions including supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and trustees may appear depending on term expirations. Local school board elections may be included as well. Specific races should be verified closer to the election as candidate filing occurs in spring 2026. Michigan offers absentee voting. Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without stating a reason, following the passage of Proposal 3 in 2018. Applications can be submitted online through www.michigan.gov/vote, by written request to the local clerk (for Weston residents, the Riga Township Clerk), or in person. The clerk must receive absentee ballot applications by 5:00 p.m. The Friday before the election, though voters may request and submit ballots in person at the clerk's office until 8:00 p.m. On Election Day. Voters can sign up for permanent absentee status to automatically receive applications for every election. Completed ballots must reach the clerk's office by 8:00 p.m. On Election Day - postmarks don't count. Secure drop boxes are available at many township and county offices. Voters can track their absentee ballot status online at www.michigan.gov/vote.