Clerk: Election Inspectors

Information

If you wish to become an Election Inspector to work at Precincts on Election Days, please complete the State of Michigan Election Inspector Application form and either return it to your local city or township clerk, or bring it to Jennifer Kelly, Houghton County Clerk.

Once you are certified, your certification is good for two years.

The next training will be in 2020, and every two years thereafter.

FAQs

When can I become an Election Inspector?

The Houghton County Clerk certifies all Election Inspectors every even numbered year. The next certification should be in the spring of 2022.

What does an Election Inspector do?

Election Inspectors are appointed by a City or Township Election Commission to facilitate voting on Election Day. They are paid for this work and for the training.

Election Inspectors may be assigned to serve at an in-person voting precinct or at an Absent Voter Ballot Counting Board.

Election Inspectors are responsible for the following tasks:

• Verifying voter registration

• Issuing ballots

• Managing the Poll Book

• Ensuring voter privacy and ballot secrecy

• Problem solving and troubleshooting

• Managing ballot tabulators for absolute accuracy

• Ensuring the accuracy of critical data

• Welcoming voters to the precinct and offering instructions on the voting process

What is the rate of pay?

Pay varies depending on the City or Township where the election worker will work.

What training is involved?

The Houghton County Clerk provides training and certification in the even numbered years to all Election Inspectors at various locations and times.

The City or Township Clerk provides the workers with a folder with an election flip chart and any other documentation they wish to provide their workers with and additional trainings.

Who can serve as an election worker?

An election worker must be a registered voter in the State of Michigan. Exception: individuals ages 16-17 not yet registered to vote, but who will be qualified to register to vote when they meet the minimum age requirement.

An election worker cannot be a challenger, candidate, member of a candidate's immediately family, or a member of the local Board of Canvassers. Anyone convicted of a felony or an election crime may not serve.

How do I become an election worker?

Complete a State of Michigan Election Inspector Application and submit it to your city or township clerk that you reside in and wish to work in, or submit it to your county clerk.

You can find your city or township clerk through the Michigan Voter Information Center.

Want more information? You may contact Jennifer Kelly, Houghton County Clerk, by telephone 906-482-1150 or by email at countyclerk@houghtoncounty.net.