GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — The new year is in full swing and it's time to start thinking about the upcoming elections.
Kent County is gearing up with others around the state ahead of an earlier presidential primary on Feb. 27 and busy elections ahead in 2024.
One thing they need, especially given new state requirements to have at least 9 in-person early voting days, is people to work them.
"We're talking about at least 170 additional workers to add to our ranks of 1500 to 2000," Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons said. "That 170 number is just for the early voting."
"When you sign up to be an election inspector, it is a really important job that you're doing," Lyons said. "It comes with a lot of responsibilities, and a really awesome look into how our elections work."
The opportunity, she said, could also help those worried over election integrity the chance to see in person the safeguards that are put in place to maintain security and integrity.
"Elections are more than just Election Day," Lyons said. "There are so many things and checks and balances we have before the elections on Election Day. And then, even after the elections, and it really gives individuals who are working the elections a great opportunity to see it firsthand, to watch it all unfold and to learn the process so that they can have confidence in the process."
The county's ask for help comes not only amid the new early voting requirements but against the backdrop of a national environment that has seen many election workers consider leaving the job.
A 2023 survey of election workers from the Brennan Center for Justice found that 11% of officials polled said they were unlikely to continue serving. Over half of those surveyed were concerned over threats, harassment and intimidation.
"My message to potential election inspectors is, 'Don't be intimidated, don't be afraid, just do it,'" Lyons said. "It's a really rewarding and fulfilling experience."
Luckily, Lyons said she hasn't seen any kind of mass exit in Kent County.
"I know, now, it is kind of a hard time and elections, there's a lot of contention with elections, there's a lot at stake," Lyons said. "Everybody cares, and that's a good thing. But really, with the spotlight on elections, Kent County has not lost an abundance of election workers. We've been able to continue to maintain that, and I think that's a credit to our hard-working local clerks and it's a credit to the citizens who really believe that this is a noble public service."
But with the critical role the county is expected to play for the nation this year, the county is encouraging anyone who qualifies to apply for these paid positions.
"There are certain requirements," Lyons explained. "You have to be a registered voter. However, 17 and 16-year-old individuals who are residents of Michigan can also work the polls in addition to the election inspector."
According to the county's Elections division, the full list of requirements is as follows:
Must be a registered voter. However, those 16-18 years of age and a Michigan resident may also serve as additional inspectors,
Must submit an Election Inspector application to their local clerk, and
Cannot be a poll challenger, candidate, or member of a candidate’s immediate family, in that election where that candidate is appearing on the ballot.
Applicants will also need to identify with one of the two major political parties when applying, in order to maintain balance at the polls.
"There may be jurisdictions that might be in more need of one particular party versus another particular party of election inspectors," Lyons said. "And so, it's possible that you may not end up working in your local jurisdiction, but that, you know, you would be dispatched to another jurisdiction if you would be willing."
Those who apply will also need to attend training from the county.
Trainings to become an election inspector in Kent County start on Jan. 16 and continue through mid-February. The county says that each new inspector will be paired with a veteran to guide them through the process.
A full list of dates and links to sign up for each training can be found on the county's website.
Additional information can be found at KentCountyVotes.com.
"Our elections are run by friends and neighbors," Lyons said. "They're not run by faceless, nameless people. They're the people that you interact with, meet in the grocery store and work with on a day-to-day level. And they are a crucial part of the process in really helping to make sure that we're providing the security, you know, secure, accurate, fair and transparent elections that our Kent County voters know and that they deserve."
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