Kathy Van Voorst, Clerk
The Clerk is responsible for maintaining current and accurate registration of voters and for supervising and conducting all Township, State, National, and School elections. The Clerk is also responsible for recording all actions, proceedings, resolutions and ordinances of the Township Board. The Clerk is responsible for preparing notices, and minutes of Board meetings and otherwise maintaining accurate records and files of Township proceedings and transactions. The clerk maintains a general ledger, prepares financial statements, and delivers tax certificates to the Township supervisor and the County clerk. The clerk also keeps the Township book of oaths, is the Chair of the Township election commission and must appoint a deputy. These are all statutory duties required by the State.
As additional duties the Clerk is responsible for accounts payable, processing all payroll and tax forms, newsletter publishing and maintaining cemetery records.
The Clerk’s position is an elected position with a term of 4 years.
Voter Registration
Complete the Voter Registration Form and mail it to:
Kathy Van Voorst
Port Sheldon Township Clerk
16201 Port Sheldon Street
West Olive, MI 49460
Requirements to Register to Vote in Port Sheldon
To register to vote in Port Sheldon you must meet the following criteria:
- A United States citizen
- At least 18 years of age by election day
- A resident of Port Sheldon Township for at least 30 days
To check the status of your voter registration, please call Kathy Van Voorst at (616) 399-6121.
Elections
Polls are open from 7:00 am until 8:00 pm. The polling place for all Precincts is at the township building 16201 Port Sheldon St. West Olive, MI 49460. Precinct 1, votes in the auditorium and Precinct 2, votes in the board meeting room. Both are located on the North side of the building.
Ottawa County Political Parties
Ottawa County Democratic Party
7054 Crestwood Drive
Jenison MI 49428
Ottawa County Republican Party
513 E. 8th St., Suite 15
Holland MI 49423
Photo ID Requirement
Every Michigan voter who attends the polls to vote must now show picture identification, or sign an affidavit attesting that he or she is not in possession of picture identification. BRING YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE WITH YOU TO THE POLLS.
Picture IDs must be current and must include the person’s photo and name. They do not need to include an address.
Acceptable forms of photo ID are:
- Driver’s license or personal identification card
- 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
Voting by Absentee Ballot:
You may vote with an absent voter ballot if:
- You are unable to vote without assistance
- You are 60 years of age or older
- You expect to be absent from the Township on election day
- You are in jail awaiting arraignment or trial
- You have been assigned to work as a precinct inspector in a precinct other than where you are registered
- You are unable to attend the polls because of religious beliefs
To obtain an absentee ballot application, simply stop by the Township office prior to election day, or call the Township office at 616-399-6121, ext. 5, to have an application sent to you.
You must complete an application before an absentee ballot can be issued.
Also, by State law, only the individual voter canpick up his/her absentee ballot. Spouses, children, friends may not handle an un-voted ballot.
Election Links
Michigan Voter Information Center is an online source for one-stop election information. Access information on your voter registration status, polling place, and voting equipment.
Michigan Department of State Election Information with links to many election websites regarding upcoming elections, election results, online voter application in English and Spanish, and absentee voter information.
School District Map for Ottawa County provided by the State of Michigan
Ottawa County Election Information
Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Information regarding the Help America Vote Act and the Secretary of State’s State Plan Advisory Committee.
Citizen’s Guide to Voting Systems A step by step video demonstration on how to use the polling equipment in your area.