Frequently Asked Questions

What does an Election Day Poll Worker Do? 

     There are various roles that Election Workers can be assigned to throughout the day including, but not limited to, verifying identification, distributing & processing ballots and using the electronic pollbook.    

How Can I Get Started?

     To serve as an Election Day Poll Worker, registered voters must submit an application, attend a training session, and take a brief test after completing the training session.  The training session will be hosted by the municipality that you are going to be working in.

     In addition to your name, address and date of birth, applicants must include their political party preference and prior experience and education.  The political party preference is needed to make sure that there are checks and balances between the parties working in a precinct.

     A precinct inspector must be 18 years of age or older and registered to vote in Michigan.  They cannot be a challenger, candidate, member of a candidate’s immediate family, or a member of the local Board of Canvassers.  Also, anyone convicted of a felony or an election crime can not serve.

Do I Have to Live in Detroit?

     You do not have to be a resident of Detroit, If you are 18 years of age or older, you must be registered to vote in Michigan.  16 or 17 year olds may also work as a poll worker.

Where Will I Be Assigned to Work?

     You will be assigned to one of Detroit’s 400 polling precincts located throughout the City of Detroit.  They will try to assign you to the precinct closest to your home.

What is My Rate of Pay?

     You will be paid based on your classification.

How Long is the Training Session?

     Each training session will last approximately tow and a half hours.  Most classifications require two sessions.

When Will I Receive My Pay?

     All Poll Workers’ checks are mailed within three to seven weeks after each election.  We begin processing immediately after Election Day.