County Clerk / Register of Deeds

Compensation & Benefits

Annual Salary: $75,000 per year

Benefits Package (approx. $30,000 / year value): Health Insurance, Life Insurance, MERS Pension Plan (10-year vesting), Vacation, Sick, and Personal time.

Minimum Qualifications / Legal Requirements

• No specific educational or professional license requirements.
• Must be a registered and qualified elector of Clare County.
• Bond and oath of office required upon taking office.

Key Statutory Duties & Responsibilities

• Serves as chief election officer of the county; administers all federal, state, and local elections.
• Clerk of the Circuit Court; maintains court records and issues processes.
• Clerk of the Board of Commissioners; records proceedings and resolutions.
• Maintains vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) and issues certified copies.
• Records assumed names, co-partnerships, military discharges, and other statutory filings.
• As Register of Deeds: records all deeds, mortgages, liens, and other instruments affecting real property; maintains the official land records of the county.
• Serves on or as clerk of multiple statutory boards (Board of Canvassers, Plat Board, Concealed Weapons Licensing Board, etc.).

Term & Election Cycle Notes

Four (4) year term. Current terms expire December 31, 2028. Next general election: November 2028.

How to Get on the Ballot

File with the Clare County Clerk (225 W. Main St., Harrison, MI 48625). Major-party candidates must submit an Affidavit of Identity plus either nominating petitions (signature requirement based on county population) or a $100 filing fee.

Deadline is 4:00 p.m. on the 15th Tuesday before the August primary (for the 2028 cycle this falls in mid-to-late April 2028 — confirm exact date with the County Clerk). Must be an elector of Clare County by the filing deadline.

Additional Notes

The offices of County Clerk and Register of Deeds are currently combined in Clare County. The Board of Commissioners may separate them by resolution (effective at the start of the next term).

Interested in Serving Clare County?

Before filing, talk to the Clare County Republican Party. We help conservative candidates understand the office, legal filing requirements, and campaign calendar.

Disclaimer: Informational summary of elected offices under Michigan law. Prepared for public education and candidate recruitment purposes. Confirm salaries, benefits, signature counts, and filing deadlines with the Clare County Clerk (or Township Clerk / Bureau of Elections as applicable).