 Since 1876 its voters have selected the Republican Party nominee in 78% (28 of 36) of the national elections, and in 19 of the last 20 national elections (through 2016) the Republican nominee carried the county.Emmet County operates the County jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services.The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances.