Canvassing Board
The Canvassing Board consists of four appointed members, two from each of the two political parties casting the greatest number of votes for Secretary of State at the preceding General November Election. The Ottawa County Canvassing Board consists of Republicans Donald Stoltz and Louise (Loekie) Boersma and Democrats Ronald Chavez and Suzanne Cloutier. Each member is appointed by the Board of Commissioners from three nominations which are provided by the county political parties. The members serve four year terms, which are staggered, meaning two terms expire every odd numbered year.
The County Canvassing Board meets after each election to certify and canvass the results of the election. All election results are considered unofficial until the Canvassing Board has completed certifying all election returns and results. The Canvassing Board conducts all recounts within the county. Every four years, they also conduct examinations and approve or disapprove each ballot container used for storing ballots within the county.
