As Voter Rolls Surge, City Clerk Seeks More Election Workers

East Lansing City Clerk Marie Wicks is looking for more people to work (for pay) on election day in response to a big surge in voter registration in East Lansing and among MSU students.

According to Wicks, there are over 7,000 new voter registrations in East Lansing, compared to only 2,500 in 2012, the last presidential election. Wicks also notes that presidential elections bring out more previously-registered voters than interim elections.

As a result, the City Clerk’s office is currently in need of as many as 25 more Election Inspectors to work in polling locations around East Lansing and on the MSU campus on Tuesday, November 8, 2016.

Inspectors’ half-day shifts run from either 6am to 2:30 p.m. or 2 p.m. to closing (polls close at 8 p.m. but every voter in line at that time will get to vote). Full-day shifts run from 6 a.m. to closing.

This election the City has increased the pay for Election Inspectors to $60 for half-day morning shifts, $90 for half-day evening shifts, and $150 for all-day shifts.

New Election Inspectors are required to attend a three-hour training session. The last training session for new Election Inspectors will be held on October 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Hannah Community Center. (Election Inspectors are also paid an additional sum for attending this required training.)

According to City Clerk Marie Wicks, “In order to serve as an election inspector, one need only be registered to vote in the State of Michigan. Students [age 16 and over], retirees and everyone in between are welcome. If you or someone you know would be interested in serving in this capacity, it would be greatly appreciated and again, training is provided! Most who participate find it to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. If interested, please contact my office at 517-319-6914 or e-mail me directly at mwicks@cityofeastlansing.com.”

Why take on this work? Besides earning some money, we can share our personal perspective from having worked as Election Inspectors for many years that this can be a truly rewarding experience. Some election workers especially enjoy working in the campus precincts to be part of the excitement of being with MSU students as they get to vote for the first time.

We have found that one of the best parts of working in a Precinct in our own neighborhood is that it gives us the opportunity to greet and reconnect with our neighbors and friends. Even if we don't get a chance for in-depth conversations, we do have a chance to touch base with old acquaintances about what is happening in their lives. This year, in what looks to be a busy Election Day, our focus will be more on helping each voter get through the process efficiently and comfortably.

Working the polls as Election Inspectors also helps us feel proud of our election process and to participate in supporting the most basic of all democratic rights, the right to vote. All East Lansing Election Inspectors are trained that our role is to try to ensure that every voter who is entitled to vote does get the chance to vote.

Another benefit in working as Election Inspectors in the closing shift is that we get to see the total Precinct results as soon as the polls close, even before the public or the press. Working the polls is also an inter-generational work experience. It has always been interesting to spend a day working with a small group that includes young students, middle-age people and seniors, all working on the common goal of helping the election run smoothly.
 

Editor’s note: Parts of this article were adapted from a previously published article.