City Clerk Doyle presented a recap of Pontiac’s Nov. 4 municipal election, reporting 8,659 total voters (about 17.5% turnout), an increase from previous municipal elections. For the first time the city offered early voting; the clerk reported 600 early votes, 3,190 precinct votes and 4,869 absentee ballots (a 57.9% return rate on mailed ballots).

Doyle noted distribution of ballots and the state change enabling permanent mailed ballots when a voter checks the box to be mailed ballots for each election. He reviewed district-by-district participation and the library board and school district millage results. The clerk also reviewed operational adjustments (precinct moves, signage, and election day response), thanked 114 election workers, and noted staff efforts and outreach via social media and precinct-specific videos.

Council members thanked the clerk’s office for the work and the public for increased participation.