Election Inspectors

If you have ever wondered how to become more active in government, there are plenty of opportunities for you that do not involve running for elected office. Michigan has 83 counties, 274 cities, and 1,242 townships. During an election, each of these units of government requires a staff of paid workers to work at the polls. This includes during early voting, the absentee ballot count board, and on election day at various polling locations.

Election inspectors are people who are paid to assist voters at the polls on Election Day. In addition to their name, address, and date of birth, applicants must include their political party preference and qualifications to fill the position such as education or experience.

An election inspector must be a registered voter of the State of Michigan if 18+ years of age or individuals aged 16 - 17 must be a Michigan resident. Election inspectors cannot be a challenger, candidate, member of a candidate's immediate family, or a member of the County Board of Canvassers. Anyone convicted of a felony or an election crime may not serve.

Election inspectors are covered by the federal Minimum Wage Act.

To apply to become an Election Inspector, submit the Election Inspector Application to the city or township clerk of your choice. The local clerk will answer any questions you have regarding becoming and/or being an election inspector for that city or township. If that city or township clerk states they are not accepting applications at that time or you are not hired, you can approach another city or township clerk's office in the neighboring area to see if they are in need of additional election inspectors.

Election inspectors must be certified by the County or their local clerk prior to working an election. This certification is good for two years. Individuals wanting to become an election inspector who has not yet been hired are still welcome to attend one of the County's training sessions. It is suggested to attend the “Early Voting/Election Day Election Inspector Training” as that is the universal training for election inspectors to work during early-voting or on election day at any township or city in Kent County. At this training session, the individual will complete a certification request form that the County keeps on file to share with jurisdictions that are short election inspectors closer to an election date. A list of training sessions can be found by clicking the link below.