Welcome to the electronic newsletter from
Grand Haven Charter Township!

Stay informed on what is happening in the township. This newsletter will deliver up-to-date information including upcoming meetings, development news, township services and more!

You can always find more information on our website or Facebook.
Halloween Trick-or-Treat
Hours for Trick-or-Treat will be as typical – on Saturday October 31st between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.  

Because of COVID-19, questions have been raised regarding Trick-or-Treat. In response, the Township notes that:

  • Halloween is not a Township-sanctioned event, but rather a nationally recognized holiday. The Township has no legal authority or basis to cancel Halloween or restrict the free movement of its residents. However, unlike previous years, the Township will not be going out into the community with any fire trucks or giving away any “treats”.
  • All residents who participate should adhere to any public health recommendations from the Ottawa County Health Department. Be safe and apply common sense such as: wear a mask (insert Halloween joke here); social distance if not in the same household; any household with a positive case should not participate; any individuals with symptoms should not participate; and any other guidance from public health officials.
  • If your household does not want to participate, leave off your outdoor and front door lights.
  • Be creative – use any ideas on how to minimize contact with children (or their parents).
  • And, if you decide to participate with this Halloween’s Trick-or-Treat … be smart, be safe and have fun!
  • And finally, continue to watch for updates from public health officials regarding Halloween activities.


Voter Dropbox
Absentee ballots have been mailed to Township voters who have submitted an application.
That said, you can still request an absentee ballot. If you want to pick up your absentee ballot, be sure to bring a photo ID. The Township lobby is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. – Monday through Friday. And, the Township lobby will be open on Saturday, October 31st from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to help voters.

If you mail your absentee ballot, remember to sign your absentee envelope and stamp the envelope before mailing it. Alternatively, you may put your ballot in the Township drop box located within the foyer of the Township Administrative office. (This foyer is located inside the first set of double doors. The foyer is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week and is monitored by security cameras.) We must receive your ballot by 8:00 p.m. on election day. 
You may check the progress of your absentee ballot on the Michigan Voter Information Center website at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/ .

The Township has received many questions about the absentee ballot process. Answers to some common questions:

  • Signatures – Election staff compare the signature on the ballot to signatures collected with driver's licenses. Reasonable variations of the signature are acceptable.
  • Receiving your ballot - All requested ballots have been mailed. If you did not receive your ballot, please contact the Township. Election staff can reissue a ballot, if necessary and spoil any missing ballot.
  • Voting in person - If you requested an absentee ballot due to uncertainty about the COVID-19 situation, but decide to vote in person, we would prefer to have you surrender your ballot at the Township offices by Saturday, October 31st. This will allow you to vote in person with the least delay. If you do not return your ballot early, you may still vote in person. Bring your ballot with you to surrender or sign the Affidavit of Absent Voter stating you do not have the ballot. Please note that if you have voted and returned your absentee ballot, you will not be able to vote in person.
  • The Township election staff do not want to reject any absentee ballots. We will make every effort to contact you to resolve any issues that may arise during processing. The most common issue we see is voters forgetting to sign the ballot envelope, so remember to sign.

If you have any questions about the election process, contact Deputy Clerk Kristi DeVerney at kdeverney@ght.org or call 616-604-6343.
Planning Commission and Board of Appeals Vacancies
$117k Grant Approved
Grand Haven Charter Township’s Pottawattomie Park Beach Restoration and Enhanced Public Access project was approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with a $117,000 grant. This grant covers a portion of the cost to restore and improve the waterfront at Pottawattomie Park.

That said, because of some possible changes to the design, this grant amount could be enlarged.

Electronic Meetings to Continue
Grand Haven Charter Township will continue to have virtual, electronic meetings through the end of the year.  

In the wake of the Michigan Supreme Court striking down Governor Whitmer’s executive orders, the Michigan Legislature approved Senate Bill 1108 that effectively replaces elements of Governor Whitmer’s executive order allowing for virtual meetings under the Open Meetings Act. Those include requiring an explanation within 18 hours of the meeting for why it needs to be held virtually, ensuring two-way communication for members to hear each other, posting agenda updates online and establishing how the public can view meetings.

The Governor is expected to sign legislation. 
All of the material for Township Board meetings may be viewed at:

This material is the same information provided to the elected officials – except any legal opinions that might be discussed in closed sessions. In addition, the agendas (and OMA postings) will contain information on how the public can participate in these Zoom meetings. 

2020 Leaf Drop Off
Please remember to practice social distancing and if you cannot maintain at least 6-feet, please wear a mask. We're in this together!
Township Questions?
If you have specific questions about Township operations, please send an email to bcargo@ght.org .
(616) 842-5988  | info@ght.org | www.ght.org