Role and Responsibilities
The County Clerk is an elected official serving a four-year term. This role is defined by State Statute. The Clerk also serves as the Clerk of the Circuit Court, managing court filings, administering oaths, and maintaining the Circuit Court Seal to certify over 300 different documents.
Vital Statistics
As the Register of County Vital Statistics, the Clerk’s office records and indexes all births, deaths, and marriages in Van Buren County. The office issues marriage licenses, reviews and records birth and death certificates, and provides certified copies upon request.
Election Duties
The County Clerk is the Chief Election Official, overseeing elections, handling county petitions, and serving on the County Election Commission. They also act as the Clerk of the County Board of Canvassers. Election results are posted on ElectionReporting.com as they come in on election night.
Board and Court Responsibilities
The Clerk serves as the Clerk of the County Board of Commissioners, preparing meeting minutes and presenting communications. The office processes court vouchers, bond, and restitution payments. The Clerk co-signs all county checks with the County Treasurer.
Additional Functions
The County Clerk issues Concealed Weapons permits, files Assumed Name Certificates for businesses, processes Notary Public applications, and serves on the County Plat Board and County Apportionment Commission. The office maintains Veterans Discharges and processes qualified Veterans Death Benefits checks. The Clerk administers necessary Oaths of Office and is the Keeper of many County Records.
Staffing
The office staff includes the County Clerk, Chief Deputy Clerk, and four full-time Deputy Clerks.
