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Grand Haven joins multi-jurisdiction agreement to share early-voting operations for 2026–27
Summary
After Ottawa County declined to continue a countywide contract, Grand Haven and neighboring jurisdictions approved a joint municipal agreement to share nine days of required early voting operations and costs for 2026–27, with clerks saying local jurisdictions have the staffing and infrastructure to run the program.
Grand Haven and five neighboring jurisdictions on Jan. 20 approved a joint municipal early‑voting site agreement for the 2026–27 cycle.
City clerks presented the agreement after Ottawa County declined to continue a countywide early‑voting contract. Clerks said that, beginning in 2024, local jurisdictions are required to provide nine days of early voting before state and federal elections; the Tri Cities clerks collaborated to cost‑share and distribute workload for staffing, polling‑location management and setup.
Clerks told council that the large number of hours in the prior county contract reflected start‑up costs when many county employees were new to election work; local municipalities now have infrastructure, training and experienced workers that should reduce labor intensity and overtime. Council members expressed appreciation for the collaboration and approved the joint agreement by roll call.
Staff will coordinate scheduling, worker recruitment and location setup with partner jurisdictions ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
