Get Paid to Work Elections!
Who can Become an Election Inspector?
If you are interested in working on election day there are numerous positions available and no experience necessary. Typical Election Day working hours are 6:00am – 8:30pm. In order to be eligible to work as an Election Inspector you must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- Registered to vote in the state of Michigan, if over the age of 18
- Not related to someone running for office on that election ballot
- A high school student over the age of 16
Why Serve as an Election Inspector?
Serving as an Election Inspector is a great opportunity to help your community, become a part of the democratic process, and meet new people! Experience as an Election Inspector can also enhance your resume or college application.
What Positions are Available?
Precinct Chairperson
The Precinct Chairperson is responsible for the management of their assigned precinct and its election workers. Responsibilities include assigning duties to fellow election workers, ensuring opening and closing polls, providing excellent customer service, handling issues that occur, delivering reports and information at the end of the day, and other duties as needed.
Precinct Co-Chairperson
The Precinct Co-Chairperson is responsible for assisting the Chairperson. This position is an introduction to becoming a precinct chairperson and an opportunity to take on a leadership role without all of the closing duties. Responsibilities include learning and assisting with the proper procedures for opening and closing the precinct, handling any issues that occur while the chairperson is on break or occupied with another worker or voter, providing excellent customer service, filling in for workers on breaks, assisting with ballot reconciliation process, and other duties as needed.
Electronic Poll Book (EPB) Inspector
The EPB Inspector is responsible for managing the laptop and utilizing the E-pollbook software to verify voter registration and issue a ballot number. Additional responsibilities include setting up the laptop workstation, saving the voter file and reports in the appropriate location, providing excellent customer service, referring to the Chairperson when an unusual situation arises, assisting with ballot reconciliation process, and the duties of a general election worker.
Election Inspector
The Election Inspector fills a variety of roles within the precinct on Election Day, including but not limited to: assuring applications to vote are accurately completed, verifying the voter’s identity, issuing correct ballots, recording voter number and ballot number, tearing off the perforated ballot number tab before the voter inserts their ballot in the tabulator, helping the voter when the tabulator rejects their ballot, assuring voter secrecy is maintained, referring to the Chairperson when an unusual situation arises, providing excellent customer service, and providing accurate information and helping voters.
Absentee Voter Counting Board (AVCB) Inspector
The AVCB Inspector is responsible for processing absentee ballots. AVCB workers are more restricted than precinct workers as they are required to stay in the AVCB room until the close of polls at 8:00 p.m. During this time workers cannot use a cell phone or electronic device, are not able to smoke or use e-cigarettes, and will only be permitted to leave the room to use the restroom or drinking fountain.
What Will I be Paid?
Chairperson – $300
Co-Chairperson – $250
Electronic Poll Book Inspector – $250
Precinct Inspector – $200
Absentee Counting Board Chairperson – $300
Absentee Counting Board Co-Chairperson – $250
Absentee Inspector- $200
Inspectors will also be paid $25 per mandatory training session.
*Note, if you make more than $600 in an election year, you will be taxed.
How do I Apply?
Complete the application and return to the Clerk’s office. Please make sure to sign the application form in your own handwriting.