Elections

On election day, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. – The Au Train Township Hall is located at N7569 Spruce Street, Au Train MI 49806.  This is known as Precinct No. 1 – the only voting Precinct in the Township.
 
Your Township Clerk is the Election Administrator and oversees and supervises staff and Pollworkers on Election Day. 

Registering to vote

To register to vote, you must be all the following:

  • A U.S. citizen
  • At least 18 years old by Election Day
  • A resident of Michigan
  • A resident of the township where you are applying to register to vote for at least 30 days before Election Day. 

If you want to check to see if you are registered, visit www.Michigan.gov/vote. There you will find information about registering to vote and voting, voting equipment, polling place locations, state and local ballots, the candidates, campaign finance and more. Your local clerk can help with questions about your voter registration, polling place location, and working at the polls.

Early Voting In-Person

What is early voting?

In November 2022, Michigan voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment that gives voters the right to vote early and in person at early voting sites before statewide and federal elections. Communities may also choose to provide early voting for local elections.
 
Early voting allows a voter to cast a ballot before Election Day, in an experience similar to voting on Election Day.
 
During the early voting period, voters are issued a ballot and can then insert their ballot directly into a tabulator at their early voting site.

Where can I vote early?

Voters can visit an early voting site in their area to cast a ballot in person during the early voting period.

An early voting site is like a polling place where voters can cast a ballot prior to Election Day, during the early voting period. Voters from more than one precinct, city, or township may be assigned to a single, shared early voting site.  Au Train Township has elected to share an early voting site with the City/Townships of Alger County. You will be able to cast your ballot at the Alger County Courthouse, 101 Court Street, Munising MI 49862. 

How is early voting different from absentee voting?

Both early in-person voting and absentee voting allow voters to cast a ballot prior to Election Day. However, there are key differences between the two methods of voting.
 
Early voting allows voters to cast a ballot similar to how they would do so at a polling place on Election Day. Voters are issued a ballot and can personally insert it into the tabulator at their early voting site.
 
Absentee voting allows voters to request a ballot by mail or in person at their local clerk’s office. Voters can complete their absentee ballot at home or at their local clerk’s office and submit it in an envelope by mail, in person, or by drop box. After an absentee ballot is received by the local clerk, the voter’s absentee ballot is processed and tabulated by their local clerk.
 
Absentee voters also have more flexibility to “spoil” their ballot, or change their vote, after it has been submitted.

Who can vote early?

Any registered voter in Michigan has the right to vote early in person at an early voting site for statewide and federal elections in which they are eligible.

Voters in Michigan can register to vote up to and on Election Day, including during the early voting period.

When can I vote early?

The early voting period takes place for a minimum of nine consecutive days, ending on the Sunday before an election.  Early voting sites must be open for at least eight hours each day during the early voting period.  Early voting is offered for all statewide and federal elections.

Early voting site locations, dates, and hours are available 60 days prior to Election Day at www.Michigan.gov/Vote 

Absent Voter Ballots

Absent voter ballots are available for all elections. They provide you with a convenient method for casting a ballot when you are unable to attend the polls on election day.

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 your township clerk’s office or drop box to return your absentee ballot, which we recommend if you are returning a ballot within two weeks of election day, in order to avoid possible postal delays.

To request an absentee ballot, please print the Absentee Voter Ballot Application, fill it out, and send it to:

Au Train Township Clerk
PO Box 33 
Au Train MI 49806-0033

You may also scan and email the application to: marywaltherjohnson@charter.net or Contact your Clerk at (906)361-2373 and request an application be sent. 

For more voter information, please visit www.Michigan.gov/vote.

News / Notices

*Special Meeting Notice*
 
The Au Train Township Board will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, October 24th at 6:30 pm to interview candidates to fill the vacant Zoning Administrator position.  We will also review Financial Statements and the 2024-2025 Budget for General, Fire, Garbage, and Road Funds and amend said Budgets as necessary.  
 
*Important information for Absentee Ballot Voters.*
 
It has come to my attention that some of the recent absentee ballots mailed may have included a Primary Election Secrecy sleeve rather than a General Election Secrecy sleeve. If you have questions on instructions please reach out…..YOU may vote straight party or mixed on your ballot in November.  I apologize in advance if this has caused you any confusion.
 
INSTRUCTIONS:
TO VOTE: Completely darken the box opposite each choice.
IMPORTANT: To mark your ballot, use only a black or blue ink pen.
DO NOT USE ANY OTHER INK COLOR!
PARTISAN SECTION: To vote the partisan section of the ballot, you may cast a “mixed ticket.”
Mixed Ticket: Vote for the individual candidates of your choice in each office.
NONPARTISAN and PROPOSAL SECTIONS of the ballot (if any) must be voted separately.
DO NOT vote for more candidates than indicated under each office title.
WRITE-IN CANDIDATES: To vote for a candidate whose name is not printed on the ballot, write or place the name of that candidate in the blank space provided and completely darken the voting target area. Do not cast a write-in vote for a candidate whose name is already printed on the ballot for that office.
CHECK BOTH SIDES OF BALLOT: This ballot has two sides. Be certain to check the reverse side of the ballot.
WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED VOTING: Place the ballot in the secrecy sleeve and then in the postage paid return envelope. You can mail it or bring it to the Election Dropbox located at the Township Hall.
NOTE: If you make a mistake, please contact the Clerk to spoil your ballot and have a new one issued. Do not attempt to erase or correct any marks made in error.
 
 
Mary Walther Johnson
Au Train Township Clerk
(906)361-2373
 

*Au Train Township – Employment Opportunity*

The Au Train Township is seeking applications for the Position of Zoning Administrator. This is a part-time self-paced position with a monthly salary to be determined. Must be willing to commit to educational opportunities. The Zoning Administrator plays a significant role in the continued development of our Community.

Submit your letter of interest and resume to our Supervisor no later than November 1, 2024. (Date Extended) Email: michelledoucette@charter.net Or Mail: Au Train Township, Zoning Administrator Position, PO Box 33, Au Train MI 49806 Or Dropoff: N7569 Spruce St, Au Train MI in Clerk/Treasurer Office dropbox.  

The Zoning Administrator Job Description can be found at autraintownship.gov > Zoning

Au Train Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Mary Walther Johnson
Au Train Township Clerk
09/30/2024

*November 5th General Election Absentee Voter Ballot Information*
I expect to mail all Permanent Ballot Voters and those who requested a ballot for the November Election only, the 1st week of October.  PLEASE NOTE: The post office cannot forward ballots.  If you expect to be gone prior to mail date you need to make sure I have a current address on file.  You can track your ballot status at www.michigan.gov/vote

For anyone wanting to vote absentee or participate in Early Voting Options – that information is also available at www.michigan.gov/vote

Questions, contact Clerk Johnson at marywaltherjohnson@charter.net or call (906)361-2373