Have you ever noticed how few Democrats in Otsego County run for local office? We have too. That’s why we are reaching out to our neighbors, co-workers and friends to consider putting their name on the ballot in 2026 for a local office in our county. These positions range from precinct delegate to our various township offices to serving as a county commissioner.
Candidates for precinct delegate need only file an Affidavit of Identity for the 2026 August primary. This form must be filed with the clerk of the county in which candidate resides.
>> Download Delegate Precinct Info Sheet Here
Each of the nine townships in Otsego County has a board that consists of a supervisor, clerk, treasurer and two trustees. Each elected official has specific duties. Click on this link to learn more. Then contact your township clerk for information on the applicable filing requirements and the qualifications you must meet to seek the office.
Contact the Otsego County Clerk for information on the applicable filing requirements and the qualifications you must meet to seek a county office. Principle elected offices include county clerk, treasurer, sheriff and prosecuting attorney. The chief legislative and policy-making body of Otsego County Government is the nine-member Board of Commissioners. In addition, the County Road Commission is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected for six-year staggered terms; one member is elected every two years. All of the information, important dates and deadlines, required forms and help getting started as a candidate can be found on the Michigan Secretary of State website. Start there.
Then, if you’re still thinking of adding your name to the ballot, what’s next? How do you know you’re ready? How do you build a plan? Target voters using data tools? Build a volunteer network? Each month the Michigan Democratic Party offers several political training webinars, including one on “Running for Local Office” that will answer those questions and help potential candidates decide if they are ready to run. Click here to access the MDP Training Portal.
