Township Clerk Duties and Responsibilities

The Clerk is responsible for:

• maintaining current and accurate registration of voters and for supervising and conducting all Township, State, national, and school elections, as well as, responsible for recording all actions, proceedings, resolutions and ordinances of the Township Board.
• preparing notices and minutes of Board meetings including publication and proper postings.
• maintaining accurate records and files of Township transactions.
• provides support for answering general telephone and walk-in inquires and general clerical assistance to the Township Board, other boards and commissions, and administrative staff.

In addition, the Clerk’s responsibilities also include, but are not limited to:

Elections

Notes:  The Clerk's Office is open the Saturday before every Election from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm to issue Absentee Ballots and register voters.  And if you are already on the Permanent Absentee Voter List, applications will be mailed to you 45 days before every Election.

Due to a recent Michigan Court of Appeals ruling, residents will no longer automatically receive Absentee Voter Applications for each election unless you request the Allendale Charter Township Clerk to place your name on a Permanent Absentee Voter List.

Absentee Voter Ballots

> How Do I Apply?

Your request for an absent voter ballot must be in writing and can be submitted to the Township Clerk. You must request an absent voter ballot by submitting the application (by 5pm on the Friday preceding the election) to the Clerk's Office. Requests may be returned by hand, via postal mail, fax, or email, as long as a signature is visible.  Once your application has been received in the Clerk's Office, we will mail your ballot to you.  Upon completion of your ballot, make sure your signature and date are on the outside of the ballot envelope before you return it.  All ballots must be received by 8pm on Election Day to be counted.

> What Is the Deadline for Applying for Absentee Ballots?

Absent voter ballot application must be received by 5pm on the Friday preceding the election.  If after the deadline is passed and it is found an absent voter ballot is required, the registered voter may go to the Clerk's Office on any working day up to 4pm on the day preceding the election.  Both application and voting ballot will occur at this time in the Clerk's Office.

Voter Eligibility

You are qualified to vote if:

1) You are a citizen of the United States

2) You are at least 18 years of age on or before the day of election

3) You have been a resident of Michigan for at least 30 days before the election

4) You have registered to vote on or before election day

Registration

How Can I Register?

> At the office of your county, city/township, or village clerk

> At your Secretary of State Office

> Through the Secretary of State website

• If you are registering less than 15 days before an election, you must register to vote at the Township Clerk's Office.