In 2024, the Ottawa County Clerk’s Office partnered with local clerks at four locations establishing early voting centers, allowing residents to cast ballots anywhere in the county.
Over 35,000 ballots were cast, making up 13% of total voter turnout. While considered a success during the presidential election, there were significant lines at those sites.
Ottawa County Clerk Justin Roebuck announced that in 2026, municipalities will establish early voting centers allowing residents to cast a ballot closer to home.
Another factor in the Clerk’s decision was based on resource demand. Office staff worked over 2,000 overtime hours in 2024 just on early voting alone, which the office deemed unsustainable.
Roebuck added that the county will still be involved with the testing of all equipment, training and recruitment of election workers, and any other additional assistance to ensure smooth operations.
