Clerk

Responsibilities
The office of city clerk is staffed by two full-time people: Heather Pefley and Lora Laurain. The office also periodically employs 28-34 temporary workers as election inspectors. This office shares staff and duties with the Financial Services Department. Its responsibilities are:  
  • Accounts payable 
  • Archival city documents
  • Banner permits 
  • Business Registration 
  • Election Management  
  • Employee \ Retiree  benefits 
  • General ledger \ accounting 
  • Payroll 
  • Preparation of council minutes 
  • Property \ casualty insurance claims 
  • Publishing ordinances and board vacancies 
  • Voter Registration 

Local Elections

The city clerk is responsible for administering all federal, state, county and local (including school) elections held in the City of Manistee. In addition, the city clerk maintains City of Manistee voter registration records through direct access to Michigan's Qualified Voter File (QVF) system in cooperation with Michigan's Secretary of State.

Michigan election law designates the Secretary of State as chief election officer with supervisory control over local election officials in the performance of their election related duties. 

Serve as an Election Inspector

If you've ever wondered how to become more active in government, there are plenty of opportunities for you that do not involve running for elected office. Election inspectors are people who are paid to assist voters at the polls on election day. If you are a registered voter interested in serving as an election inspector, you may apply by contacting the city clerk's office at (231) 398-2803. 

Where to Vote 

Precinct 1 Manistee Council on Aging - Wagoner Center, 260 St. Mary's Parkway
 Includes City Council Districts 1, 2, 3      

Precinct 2 Manistee Council on Aging - Wagoner Center, 260 St. Mary's Parkway
  Includes City Council Districts 4, 5, 6, 7 

Upcoming Elections

  • May 2, 2023
  • November 7, 2023 Consolidated and City Council Election

Applications and Useful Documents

About Ms. Pefley

Heather Pefley is the clerk for the City of Manistee. She has been with the city since 2000. Heather holds an associate’s degree in paralegal, with honors, from Davenport College. She has received the title of Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and is also a Michigan Professional Municipal Clerk (MiPMC) with the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks. 

.