MEMBERS
MELISSA JENNINGS
Chair/Township Clerk
ABOUT THE ELECTION COMMISSION
The Standish Township Election Commission is committed to conducting fair, secure, accurate, and transparent elections while ensuring every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate. Working in accordance with Michigan election law, the Commission helps maintain public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.
DUTIES
- Ensuring elections are conducted in compliance with Michigan election laws and regulations.
- Establishing and maintaining polling locations and voting precincts.
- Appointing and supporting election inspectors (poll workers).
- Overseeing election equipment, ballot preparation, and pre-election testing.
- Safeguarding ballots and election materials through secure chain-of-custody procedures.
- Supporting absentee and early voting processes.
- Promoting accessible, impartial, and transparent elections for all voters.
- Working with the Township Clerk, Arenac County, and the Michigan Bureau of Elections to ensure every election is conducted professionally and accurately.
MEETINGS & MINUTES
Election Commission Meeting Announcements
The Standish Township Election Commission meets as required by statute and as needed. Meetings are held at the Township Hall.
Meeting Notices
Election Commission Meeting Minutes
Election Commission Meeting minutes will be posted as available. Original minutes are stored and controlled by Township Clerk.
Meeting Minutes
NOTICES, DOCUMENTS & INFORMATION
Election Commission Notices
Election Commission Docs & Info
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2026 ELECTION INFORMATION
Election Dates
August 4, 2026 – Primary Election
November 3, 2026 – State General Election
November 3, 2026 – State General Election
The Clerk’s Office will be mandatorily open to obtain an Absentee Ballot Application, Absentee Ballot or to Register to Vote on Sunday 8/2/2026 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm otherwise it is by appointment only. Please email standishtwpclerk@gmail.com or Melissa Jennings at 989-737-9708.
Notice of Registration for the August 4th Primary – 2026 August Primary Notice Last Day of Reg
Voter Information
Apply for a Michigan Absentee Ballot Online
Michigan Online Absent Voter Ballot Application (state.mi.us)
Michigan Online Absent Voter Ballot Application (state.mi.us)
Registration Deadlines
July 20, 2026 – Last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk for the August Primary. (168.497)
July 21, 2026, through 8:00 p.m. August 4, 2026 – In-person registration with local clerk with proof of residency. (168.497)
October 19, 2026 – Last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk for the November State General Election. (168.497)
October 20, 2026, through 8:00 p.m. November 3, 2026 – In-person registration with local clerk with proof of residency. (168.497)
July 21, 2026, through 8:00 p.m. August 4, 2026 – In-person registration with local clerk with proof of residency. (168.497)
October 19, 2026 – Last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk for the November State General Election. (168.497)
October 20, 2026, through 8:00 p.m. November 3, 2026 – In-person registration with local clerk with proof of residency. (168.497)
Voting at the Polls
The following types of photo ID are acceptable:
- Michigan driver’s license or state-issued ID card
- Driver’s license or personal identification card issued by another state
- Federal or state government-issued photo identification
- U.S. passport
- Military ID with photo
- Student identification with photo from a high school or accredited institution of higher learning
- Tribal identification card with photo
The township will be holding primary and general elections throughout the year, and we are in need of election workers. To be an election worker, you must be a registered and eligible voter in the state of Michigan. It does not matter if you live in the Township. Training is provided and you are paid for attending training and working at elections. For more information, or if you are interested, please contact Melissa Jennings at 989-737-9708 or email standishtwpclerk@gmail.com
Election Inspector
Election inspectors are paid to assist voters at the polls on Election Day. Some of the responsibilities include checking voters’ registration records and recording that they voted, distributing ballots, assisting voters, and maintaining order within the voting precinct.
Qualifications to be appointed as an Election Inspector:
- Must be a qualified and registered voter in the State of Michigan.
- Must have sufficient education and clerical ability to perform the duties of office.
- Must complete and file an application with a City or Township Clerk.
Students:
High School students 16 or 17 years of age may be Election Inspectors.
- With the exception of being qualified and registered voters, students must meet all of the other requirements.
- They are also required to receive permission from their school and are subject to the provisions of child labor laws.
- Students cannot serve as precinct chairpersons.
Please contact Melissa Jennings if you are interested in being an Election Inspector for either election at 989-737-9708.
Applications
