Do you have an interest in civic matters and have a relatively flexible schedule?
If so, the City of Midland is looking for at least another 130 election inspectors ahead of the 2020 election cycle. If you’re dependable, punctual and friendly, working with the community on Election Day is a great way to serve in a civic capacity.
“Often, the best people to serve as election inspectors are already volunteers in the community, civic-minded, and those that have flexible schedules like stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students, volunteers and more,” says Erica Armstrong, City Clerk for the City of Midland. “And it provides a vital service to the community and the democratic system.”
No formal training is required to apply and all details will be provided for those helping each Election Day. A short training will take place in February to get new inspectors ready for service and the training is good for a period of two years.
What does an election inspector do?
Inspectors help serve our community and democratic system, conducting assigned duties at a designated polling site on Election Day including: processing absentee ballots, checking identification, issuing ballots to registered voters, handing out stickers, giving directions, monitoring equipment, explaining sample ballots, counting votes and maintaining accurate records.
Changes from 2018, such as the allowance for submitting an absentee ballot for any reason, have created the need for more help processing such items in 2020.
It is a paid position requiring minimal training prior to the three voting days in 2020. Inspectors don’t have to live within the City of Midland, though it is required to travel on Election Day, nor do inspectors have to work all three Election Days in 2020.
How do you apply?
The State Michigan requires an application be submitted for the role. Applications can be returned to the City Clerk’s office at Midland City Hall, 333 W. Ellsworth St., Midland, MI 48640 by mail, hand delivered or an image of the signed application can also be e-mailed to clerk@midland-mi.org.
What are the requirements for serving as an election inspector?
* Must be at least 16 years of age
* Must be registered to vote in the State of Michigan (if over 18 years of age)
* Must fill out the application form and include a political party preference (some tasks on Election Day require one Republican and one Democrat to be present)
* Election Inspectors cannot be a challenger, candidate, member of a candidate's immediate family, or a member of the local Board of Canvassers.
* Must not have been previously convicted of a felony or any election crime.
* Must be able to work from 6 a.m. to approximately 9:30 p.m. on Election Day: Tuesday, March 10, 2020, or Tuesday, August 4, 2020, or Tuesday, November 3, 2020
The application for being an Election Inspector can be found here: State of Michigan Election Inspector Application.
For more information, contact the City Clerk’s Department at 989.837.3310 or email at clerk@midland-mi.org.
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