Pontiac City Clerk provided a detailed election update ahead of the Nov. 4 municipal election, explaining how the new permanent absentee list works, early voting dates and changes to precinct locations after local redistricting.

The clerk reported the October mailing of 8,292 absentee ballots to registered voters who previously requested placement on the permanent absentee list. "Absentee ballots by law can be mailed out 40 days prior to the election. So that was September 25...On September 25, the clerk's office mailed out 8,292 ballots," Clerk Doyle said.

Key information voters should know:
- Three ways to vote: absentee ballot, early in-person voting, or in-person on election day.
- Permanent absentee list: voters who checked the permanent-absentee box will receive ballots automatically; others must apply for absentee ballots.
- Early voting: Oct. 25 through Nov. 2 at the Pontiac Public Library; daily hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursdays 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Ballot drop boxes: four 24-hour drop boxes are located at City Hall, Bowen Center, Ruth Peterson Center and the Huron fire station; all under 24-hour surveillance and collected daily by staff.
- Polling locations: Clerk Doyle summarized new precinct assignments following council redistricting; there will be 14 precincts and assigned polling places were listed on mailed voter cards.

Clerk Doyle also reviewed turnout data from the August primary and urged voters to use drop boxes rather than relying only on mail. Council members asked how voters should respond to voter suppression or harassment at polling places; the clerk said the city will station location monitors outside each polling site on election day and provided a contact phone number for problems.

The clerk's presentation finished with a reminder that the ballot is two-sided and includes a school-district sinking-fund renewal on the back. Council members asked for guidance on reliable return deadlines for mailed ballots; the clerk recommended returning ballots at least a week before election day or using a drop box to avoid postal delays.