MSU Extension Government

Casting your vote is a vital part of our democratic processes. Your vote helps decide a variety of issues and select our government leaders. The ballot box lets Michigan citizens have a voice in our government at all levels. A key part of making elections in Michigan work are our election inspectors: Michiganders who sign up to help run the polls all across the state. Election inspectors are often your neighbors and community members, who for a variety of reasons, signed up, got trained, and now help administer elections.

In Michigan, elections operate under the rules established in the Michigan Election Law (MCL 168.1 et seq.). This state law details how the state of Michigan runs elections. Elections can be quite busy and there are a lot of jobs that need to be done to ensure that our elections are run properly and smoothly.

That is where the important role of election inspector comes in. At least three election inspectors must be appointed to do the work, and communities may appoint as many as “required for the efficient, speedy, and proper conduct of the election” (MCL 168.674(1)).

What is an election inspector?

In short, election inspectors are Michiganders who help clerks make sure the elections take place as intended. When you vote, an election inspector greets you, processes your application to vote, distributes a ballot, answers questions or helps you pick out your sticker after your ballot has been cast. These inspectors are often commonly referred to as poll workers and are a key part of a successful election day. Counties, cities, and townships use their budgets to pay these inspectors for the important work they do.

Election inspectors are appointed for each election precinct by the local city or township board of election commissioners (MCL 168.674). More information on the requirements to be an election inspector can be found on the Department of State’s Become a Poll Worker Website. These Election Inspectors carry out many duties as part of the team administering local elections in a fair, unbiased, and accurate way.

Requirements and training

Requirements for being an election inspector include filling out an application, being a qualified elector and registered elector of the state, and that they’re able to perform the duties of the office (MCL 168.677(1)). Election inspectors cannot be a candidate for nomination or election to any office at the election, convicted of an election crime, nor can they have an immediate family member be a candidate or convicted. They also must complete their training (MCL 168.77(3)).

When appointing election inspectors, the board of election commissioners must appoint at least three election inspectors with representation between the two major political parties if possible (with at least one election inspector from each major political party). This balance between parties is important, as many parts of the election process require two election inspectors to complete, one representing each of the major political parties, to ensure fairness.

Michigan Election Law requires that election inspectors have received training on the duties of the role. This must have been completed within the previous two years (this requirement can also be met by passing an examination given by the election commission of the city or township (MCL 168.683)). The election law allows cities and townships over 10,000 people to conduct their own training and provides some flexibility for filling a vacancy.

Before beginning their official duties as an election inspector, the individual must take the following oath of office (MCL 168.80):

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of this state, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of inspector of elections according to the best of my ability."

Getting involved

According to the Brennan Center for Justice, Michigan has struggled to find election inspectors over the last several years. If you are interested in becoming an election inspector, the best first step is to get in contact with your local township, city, or county clerk. The Michigan Secretary of State has a site where you can search for your clerk using your address or county. The same site can also be used to find information on your voter information like registration status and polling place.

The Michigan Department of State also helps connect interested individuals with ways to get more involved, like becoming a poll worker. More information is available by visiting michigan.gov/sos/elections/pollworker.

There are many reasons that bring people to work an election. The Michigan Election Law calls for election inspectors to “receive reasonable compensation as allowed by the [appropriate legislative body]” (MCL168.682). During a recent election in one rural township, the election inspectors were asked why they come out to work a 12+ hour day and replied with reasons beyond the compensation like:

• Being civically minded and wanting to be an active part of the election process and do their civic duty
• As a way to keep in touch with neighbors, especially in a small community
• They knew someone who had done it before and it seemed interesting
• There was a need and somebody asked them to get involved
• They were interested in the process and wanted to be a part of it

For more details on elections in Michigan visit the Michigan Voter Information Center website at mvic.sos.state.mi.us.