EAST LANSING, Mich. — East Lansing City Clerk Jennifer Shuster is seeking civic-minded, qualified citizens to serve as paid election workers during the August 4, 2020 State Primary Election and the November 3, 2020 State General Election.
“As we navigate two back-to-back elections in the shadow of a pandemic, we are going to need new election workers to help with increased mail-in ballots as well as in-person voting at all of East Lansing’s polling locations,” said Shuster. “For those considering applying, please know that safety procedures will be in place and personal protective equipment, such as masks, face shields, plexiglass barriers and gloves, will be supplied.”
Those eligible to be election workers include anyone registered to vote in the State of Michigan and students, ages 16-17. Election workers do not need to be registered East Lansing voters to work an East Lansing election. There must be a balance of political party representation at each polling location, meaning individuals from all political parties are encouraged to sign up as election workers.
Appointed election workers must commit to working on Election Day from 6 a.m. until approximately 10 p.m. They must also attend a mandatory certification class before Election Day. Election inspectors should be detail-oriented, friendly and able to work up to a possible 16-hour day. Payment is hourly, with election inspectors paid $12 an hour and chairs/co-chairs paid $14 an hour. Individuals will be paid for the hours they work on Election Day as well as for the time spent at the mandatory certification class before Election Day. Those who wish to apply to be an East Lansing election worker, can apply online: https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/ElectionInspectorOnlineApplication.
“We encourage any eligible individual with an interest to consider applying to be an election worker, including high school and college students looking to gain experience and learn about the latest voting technology,” said Shuster. “Election workers are a vital part of democracy in action and we greatly appreciate their service.”
Individuals who have previously worked as an election inspector or chairperson during an East Lansing election do not need to re-apply, but they are asked to email cityclerk@cityofeastlansing.com if they would like to sign up again.