Keep America Great Masthead

Poll Worker

  1. Is an election inspector the same thing as a poll worker? Yes

  2. MAY I RECRUIT other friends or family to be an election inspector (or other roles)?

    Absolutely, please do! You and your friends/family can apply in pairs or teams. You can also specify which location you want to work at. You can also specify that you want to work as an Absentee Voter Count Board worker.

  3. Should I vote ahead of time? Yes! Be sure to request, VOTE, and return YOUR OWN Absentee Ballot to your clerk in person, not by mail.

  4. May I work in a county, city or township OTHER than where I live?

    YES, as long as the local clerk selects you from their applicant pool.

  5. What is the deadline to apply?

    There is no formal deadline. Complete the application as soon as possible.  The sooner you submit your application the more likely it is that you'll be selected. The City of Detroit will stop taking applications as soon as they have filled their needs.

  6. What is the PROCESS for becoming an election inspector?

    A.) Apply to one or more municipalities. Indicate that you wish to count Absentee Ballots. Write it in somewhere on the Application.
    B.) Complete the required training.
    C.) Follow any further instructions provided by the clerk who hires you.

  7. Should I indicate REPUBLICAN PARTY on the application?

    YES & please DO NOT write “independent”. Michigan law requires a balance of Republicans & Democrats where possible.

  8. MICHIGAN LAW prohibits an election inspector to be a poll challenger, candidate for nomination or election on any ballot, or a member of a candidate’s immediate family. (father, mother, sister, spouse, or relative residing in the same household) Also prohibited are anyone convicted of a felony or an election crime.

  9. TRAINING: The clerk will contact you, if you are selected, with information on training dates, times, locations. Training is paid & is generally less than 3 hours.

  10. PAY RATES: Vary from one municipality to another, but usually work out to $10 - $12 an hour. A check is mailed to you 3 to 6 weeks after the election.

  11. Is carpooling available to TCF Center in Detroit?

    If you want to carpool we recommended that you meet at the Meijer in Brighton at 8650 West Grand River Avenue, Brighton, MI 48116.  Please make your own carpooling arrangements with your friends/family. This Meijer store parking lot is designated as a parking lot for carpooling.

  12. PARKING: Free rooftop parking is available at the TCF Center parking deck. We recommend parking on the roof and saving the parking charge. Security personnel are widely available if you want an escort to your car.

  13. FOOD: During the primary two meals were furnished. However, we suggested bringing some of your own food, (just in case). Coolers are permitted and you are encouraged to bring lots of food, beverages and snacks. (Sometimes workers bring treats to share.)        
     
  14. CLOTHING: Wear comfortable clothes & shoes. It could be drafty in a large hall, so dress accordingly. NO political statement or logo clothing, hats, etc.

  15. CELL PHONES: YES, and chargers. Cell phones can usually be used during breaks.
    UPDATE (9/24): We are clarifying the cell phone policy. We will post an update when we receive clarification.

  16. QUESTIONS: Contact Joellen Pisarczyk, Livingston for Trump Office volunteer. 248-219-9738