Frequently asked questions

When are the polls open?

The polls are open to vote at the West Branch City hall from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

How do primaries work in Michigan?

primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Michigan utilizes an open primary system, in which registered voters do not have to be members of a party to vote in that party's primary.  When you vote, you will be asked to choose between a democrat, republican, or non party application.  Cross voting on the March presidential primary is not allowed.

How do I register to vote?

To vote in Michigan, one must be a United States citizen and a resident of Michigan. A voter must be at least 18 years old by Election Day.

Voters can register to vote by mail; at county, city, or township clerk's offices; or by visiting any state department branch office.

To get a registration to vote click HERE.


Is there an early voting period?

Michigan does not permit early voting.

As of December 2019, 39 states and the District of Columbia permitted early voting. Early voting permits citizens to cast ballots in person at a polling place prior to an election. In states that permit early voting, a voter does not have to provide an excuse for being unable to vote on election day. States that do not permit early voting still permit some or all citizens to vote early by mail—often known as absentee voting. Michigan is one of the State that allow no-excuse absentee voting, while others require an excuse. States that allow in-person absentee voting without an excuse are counted among early voting states.


Who is eligible for absentee voting?

Any Michigan voter can cast an absentee ballot. To vote absentee, a request must be received by 2 p.m. on the Saturday before the election. The ballot must then be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day. 

If you would like to request an absentee ballot for the August Primary or November General Election, please click HERE.

The City Clerk office will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the Saturday before election for any last minute absentee requests

If you would like to be added to the permanent absentee list so that you receive an absentee application for every election, please click HERE.

Some Great Videos to help our Voters

How to register to vote

How to prepare to vote

How to vote early by absentee ballot

How to vote on election day




Further questions can be directed to
Lori Ann Clover
West Branch City Clerk
121 N. Fourth St.
West Branch, MI 48661
989-345-0500