Orion Township Consolidates Election Precincts
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 29, 2026)
Orion Township, MI – In a move that saves money and streamlines services, Orion Township has consolidated precinct locations, reducing the total number of precincts from 14 to 11.
“The number of precincts was reduced for a few key reasons. At both Fire Station #2 and the Orion DPW building, we experienced ongoing parking challenges. These locations are also active, daily work sites, with trucks and equipment coming and going throughout the day,” said Orion Township Clerk Julia Dalrymple. “We also worked with our community partners at other precinct locations and confirmed they had adequate space to accommodate additional voters comfortably and safely. This allowed us to consolidate precincts while still providing efficient and accessible voting locations.”
According to Darlrymple, each precinct typically requires approximately seven election inspectors, including a chairperson and co-chairperson. This total includes a mix of full-day and partial-day inspectors. Reducing the number of precincts allows the Township to reduce the total number of inspectors needed, which results in staffing efficiencies and cost savings related to wages and training.
Consolidation also makes sense as more voters take advantage of early voting and absentee voting. Dalrymple has seen the number of in-person voters decline since the passage of Proposal 2 in November 2022.
Any registered voter in Michigan may request an absent voter ballot. A reason is not required. Beginning with the February 2024 Presidential Primary, voters may sign up for the permanent absent voter ballot list and automatically receive a ballot by mail prior to each election. Also, beginning with the February 2024 Presidential Primary, Michigan voters have the option to vote during nine days of early, in-person voting.
Here are the specific precinct changes:
• Former Precincts 7 and 10 have combined and are now Precinct 7, voting at St. Mary’s in the Hills Episcopal Church
• Former Precincts 12 and 14 have combined and are now Precinct 11, voting at King of Kings Lutheran Church
• Lake Orion Community Schools Administration Building is now Precinct 8
• Mount Zion Community House is now Precinct 10
Voters in Precincts 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 will receive a new Voter ID card by mail at the residential address on file with the updated changes reflected for the 2026 elections.
• Former Precincts 12 and 14 have combined and are now Precinct 11, voting at King of Kings Lutheran Church
• Lake Orion Community Schools Administration Building is now Precinct 8
• Mount Zion Community House is now Precinct 10
Voters in Precincts 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 will receive a new Voter ID card by mail at the residential address on file with the updated changes reflected for the 2026 elections.
“I am incredibly thankful for our community partners who host precincts, election inspectors and township staff who dedicate their time to serving Orion Township voters. Their commitment is essential to running fair, secure, and efficient elections, and we greatly appreciate their service,” Dalrymple said.
Residents can call or visit the Clerk’s office with questions, and election information is available at https://www.oriontownship.org/…/election_information.php
