Clerk’s Office

DSC00371rvLenore Cook, Clerk

Phone: (616) 677-1248
Email: lcook@tallmadge.com

Election & Voting Information

One of the main functions of the Clerk’s Office is to oversee local elections.  Please review the links below, to view information pertaining to elections and voter resources including: 2024 Election Cycle, Early Voting, Absent Voting, precinct boundaries for 2024, County and State resources.

2024 will be a big year for elections with a total of four. They are:

  • February 27: Presidential Primary plus any local issues
    • This is a closed primary.  In this election, you can cast a vote to help choose the candidate who you would like to lead one of the 2 major parties in the General Election in the fall. In addition, there may be local issues on the ballot which may be important to you.  Every voter on the permanent ballot list and the permanent application list will be sent an application to select a ballot type.  Those applications must be returned completed to receive a ballot.
  • May 7: Often a nonresident millage plus any local issues
    • This election provides income to local public schools. It is normally run by the local Clerk’s office on behalf of the public school system.  For the May 2024 Election, Kenowa Hills Public Schools will be having an election. This election will only be for residents within the KHP School District.
  • August 6: Primary Election
    • This key election allows you to choose who you would like to represent one of the two major political parties in the General Election. If a political party is especially strong in your area, this could mean the candidate who wins this primary, has a good chance to win in November.  Voters are issued a ballot with both major political party candidates listed, but voters may not cross party lines.
  • November 5: General Election
    • This important election is your opportunity to vote for those who will represent you in Federal, State and Local Government. You’ll be voting for President of the United States, US Senator, Congressman, County Commissioner, and Township Trustees. Other choices will be on this ballot giving you more of a voice in state and local issues.
  • What is on my ballot (sample ballot)? 
  • Where am I voting if I vote on election day in person? 
    • NOTE:  The May 7 election is for residents within the Kenowa Hills School District.  ALL VOTERS will VOTE AT Tallmadge Charter Township Hall located at O-1451 Leonard St NW.
  • Voters can vote in person at the following locations for the August 6 and November 5 elections:
    • *Precinct 1 – Tallmadge Charter Township Hall @ O-1451 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids MI 49534
    • *Precinct 2 – Living Waters Wesleyan Church@ O-1428 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids MI 49534
    • *Precinct 3 – Lamont Community Church @ 14000 48th Avenue, Coopersville, MI 49404
    • Voting Precinct Map 2022

EARLY VOTING

New this year is 9 days of early voting for State and National Elections (February, August, November). This is the result of Public Act 22-2. Polls will be open in four locations in Ottawa County, coordinated by the County Clerk.  Registered voters of Ottawa County may cast their ballots at any one of the four. Those locations are:

  • Polkton Township – 6300 Arthur St. Coopersville, MI 49404
  • Georgetown Township – 1515 Baldwin St. Jenison, MI 49428
  • Grand Haven Township – 13300 168th Grand Haven, MI 49417
  • Ottawa County Department of Health & Human Services-Macatawa Room – 12185 James St. Holland, MI 49424

As a result of the passage of Proposition 2022-02 in November 2022 early in-person voting is provided for electors of Michigan in which there are State and Federal proposals and/or offices on the ballot.  Early in-person voting is not a requirement for local elections.

Each location will be open:
2/17 Saturday         7am-3pm
2/18 Sunday             7am – 3pm
2/19 Monday           7am – 3pm
2/20 Tuesday           11am – 7pm
2/21 Wednesday   7am – 3pm
2/22 Thursday         11am – 7pm
2/23 Friday                7am – 3pm
2/24 Saturday          7am – 3pm
2/24 Sunday              7am – 3pm

Absentee Voting (Vote by Mail)

All registered voters in Michigan can now vote using what’s called an absentee ballot. You don’t need an excuse or a reason. You can vote by absentee ballot through the mail, without leaving your home. You can also go to the Tallmadge Township Clerk’s office or drop box to return your absentee ballot, which is recommended if you are returning a ballot within two weeks of election day, in order to avoid possible postal delays.

All voters have access to Absentee Voting. If you haven’t yet registered to receive a ballot every election, you will receive an Application to Vote in the mail or you may complete one online. If you have already completed an application requesting a ballot for all elections, you will receive your ballot by US Mail, at the address on your application. If you will be away, please remember that ballots and other election mail cannot by forwarded by the US Postal Service. Arrangements, through the Tallmadge Township Clerk’s Office, will need to be made in writing to receive your ballot at another location other than your registered address.
Below are some commonly asked questions regarding the Absentee Voter process.

*How do I apply for an absentee ballot?

Online – Registered voters can request an absentee ballot online through our absentee voter request form before 5 p.m. the Friday before the election.

  • Call your city or township clerk and ask that an application be mailed to you
  • Download an application to return by mail or in person to your local city or township clerk
  • In person at your local city or township clerk’s office

Note: Within two weeks of election day, to avoid possible postal delays, we recommend making your request in person at your local city or township clerk office. You’ll be able to fill out and submit your ballot while there.

Absentee Voter (Vote by Mail) Forms:

*When is the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot?

Online and mail requests for an absent voter ballot must be received by your township or city clerk no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before the election. If you’re already registered at your current address, you can request an absent voter ballot in person at your clerk’s office anytime up to 4 p.m. on the day prior to the election. If you’re registering to vote or updating your address by appearing at your clerk’s office on Election Day, you can request an absent voter ballot at the same time you register. If you request your AV ballot the day before the election or on Election Day, you must vote the ballot in the clerk’s office. How Do I Get Added to the Permanent Absentee Voter List?
In order to receive an automatic application for an absentee ballot and to be placed on the permanent absentee voter list, a registered voter must make a verbal or written request.  You can do this by contacting the Tallmadge Clerk’s Office at (616) 677-1248 or by submitting a written request to the Tallmadge Township Clerk at O-1451 Leonard St NW Grand r.

*Did my absentee ballot arrive?

All registered voters can track their ballot by looking up their information by visiting the voter information SOS website.

EVERY ELECTION COUNTS Your vote is your voice in all levels of government. If you don’t use it, others are making choices for you. Every vote, in every election, has long term effect.

Election Day – In person Voting.

For residents who choose to vote on election day, you must determine your precinct.  Below is a link to the precinct map, which shows the how the precincts are mapped out.  Your Voter ID card will also state what precinct you are voting at.  If you are unsure where to vote, feel free to contact the township hall to verify your location.

  • NOTE:  The May 7 election is for residents within the Kenowa Hills School District.  ALL VOTERS will VOTE AT Tallmadge Charter Township Hall located at O-1451 Leonard St NW.

Precinct voting location information for the August 8 and November 5:

  • *Precinct 1 – Tallmadge Charter Township Hall @ O-1451 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids MI 49534
  • *Precinct 2 – Living Waters Wesleyan Church@ O-1428 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids MI 49534
  • *Precinct 3 – Lamont Community Church @ 14000 48th Avenue, Coopersville, MI 49404
  • Voting Precinct Map2022

Community Room Rental

The Community Room at the Township Hall is available for rent. The daily rental cost to our Township residents is $100.00. This includes use of eight double tables and approximately 100 chairs as well as a full kitchen. This is your township and we try to keep the cost at a minimum. Call me for additional information.

If you have any questions, I will be pleased to receive your call or e-mail: lcook@tallmadge.com.

Park Pavilion

The Park Pavilion is located around the back of the park, near the play ground area, basketball and pickle ball courts.  The pavilion is available for use on a first come first served basis.  There are 8 picnic tables, 2 permanently placed charcoal grills and 1 electrical outlet available for use while the park is open (typically April – October) from dawn til dusk. No alcohol is allowed in the park.  Unfortunately, we are unable to make reservations for the pavilion.