The MichiganVoting.org coalition encourages registered voters, and 16 and 17-year-olds to sign up to become poll workers for the Nov. 3 general election.
Many communities struggle to recruit enough poll workers to make Election Day run smoothly. Without enough poll workers, voters may have to wait in long lines, an inconvenience that has disproportionately impacted Michiganders from communities with significant numbers of voters of color and young voters.
Poll workers are trained and paid for their work. Registered voters and 16 and 17-year-olds can serve as poll workers. By Michigan law, those with felony records are allowed to vote, but are not permitted to serve as poll workers.
In addition to the right to vote by mail and vote early, Michigan voters have the right to vote at their assigned polling location on election day. Having enough trained poll workers is critical to ensuring full and fair access to the ballot for all Michigan voters.
The critical need for poll workers was a key message reinforced by the diverse members of the MichiganVoting.org coalition, along with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, during a press conference which marked the beginning of their ‘40 Days of Early Voting’ campaign.
“Poll workers are first responders for democracy, and they serve (to) ensure our election runs smoothly before the polls open at 7 a.m., and well past closing time at 8 p.m.,” said Rhonda Saxton, area director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.
To learn more or sign up today, visit https://www.michiganvoting.org/be-a-poll-worker or email pollworkers@michiganvoting.org
Please see below for important dates in the “40 Days of Early Voting”:
- Now: Voters can print and submit a paper application for an absentee ballot for the Nov. 3 General Election.
- Now : The Secretary of State’s online application for an absentee ballot is available at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/avapplication.
- Oct. 19: Last day to register to vote online or through the mail for the Nov. 3 General Election. Get registered to vote asap and do it online at www.michiganvoting.org, if you can.
- Now through 4 p.m. Nov 2: Already registered voters can vote early at their city and township clerk’s office(s) for the Nov. 3 general election.
- Oct. 20: If you plan to submit your completed absentee ballot by mailing it to your clerk, put it in the mail by Oct. 20 to be sure it arrives on time. After Oct 20, submit your completed absentee voter ballot by dropping it off at your city or township clerk’s office or the ballot drop-box provided by your clerk.
- Starting on Oct. 20 through 8 p.m. on Election Day, you must register to vote in person at your city or township clerk’s office and provide proof of residency. Once you are registered, you can vote, all in one trip.
- Weekend of Oct. 31 – Nov. 1: Clerks’ offices must be open for at least eight hours for in-person absentee voting. Check with your local office to find out when they will be open.
- Nov. 3 – Election Day: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
For more information on mail-in ballots, same-day registration or ways to safely cast your vote before election day, visit www.MichiganVoting.org
The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan is a nonpartisan nonprofit that is leading the fight to defend and preserve the rights the Constitution and laws guaranteed all people. To learn more, visit www.aclumich.org
