Become an Election Inspector

Michigan cities and townships are always looking for qualified residents to help manage local voting precincts on Election Day.

The election inspector’s job is critical to ensuring a fair and efficient elections process. He or she performs duties such as issuing ballots, maintaining precinct records, ensuring that all laws governing the operation of polling places are upheld, and finalizing paperwork at the end of the evening to close out the polls.

To be considered for an appointment as an election inspector, an interested person must:

• Be a registered voter of the county in which he or she is applying.
• Be at least 16 years old. The voter registration requirement is waived for inspectors under 18.
• Submit an application to any city or township clerk within the applicant’s county of residence. Clerks can provide copies of the application.
• Be willing to declare a political party preference so that a balanced election board is ensured.
• Attend election-worker training.

A person is ineligible to serve as an election worker if:

• He or she is a candidate for any office in that election.
• He or she has an immediate family member who is a candidate for any office in that election.
• He or she has ever been convicted of a felony or an election crime.

Appointments are made no later than 21 days prior to an election, so don’t wait until the last minute to apply. Applicants should also be prepared to put in long hours on Election Day. Most workers are expected to be at the precinct before the polls open at 7 a.m. and to help complete the elections process after the 8 p.m. closing. Some precincts may offer split shifts.

All precinct inspectors are paid for their time. Wages are set by the local jurisdiction.

Our elections process is the cornerstone of democracy. Always exercise your right to vote, and please also consider becoming a precinct inspector. It’s a great way to serve your community and state.

Click here to locate your clerk.