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| Michael Siegrist |
“Canton is able to staff the precincts using the inspectors from August, along with additional recruits who have expressed interest after reading our call for help in the Canton Focus. Additionally, we increased the pay to $200 for Precinct Inspectors and $300 for Co-Chairs,” Siegrist said.
Individuals interested in becoming Canton precinct inspectors can visit www.canton-mi.org/vote and click on the Inspector link. An individual can fill out an “Election Inspector Interest Form” indicating interest and availability, he advised. Siegrist's office provides step-by-step instructions on the website about how to finish the process.
Step one is to read the inspector manuals. Step two is to view videos from the bureau of elections and Canton Township about the administering of elections. Step three is to take a knowledge check test. Finally, an inspector must print and return the “new hire packet” to be added to the payroll.A person who wishes to be an inspector who is at least the age of 18 must be a registered voter. An individual who is 16-17 does not need to be a qualified elector.
Many clerks faced a shortfall of inspectors in August, Siegrist said.
“We saw over 130 cancellations in the final weeks preparing. This was in large part due to concern over the public health pandemic. Currently, we are experiencing renewed interest in the position. The secretary of ctate's office has been actively assisting in recruitment efforts as well.”
Siegrist foresees a large voter turnout Nov. 3. “Absentee voting provides a number of benefits for the clerk's office when it comes to a large election. November may be the largest election in Canton history. Additionally, we are administering it at a time when people are required to take health measures to ensure they do not contribute to the spread of a dangerous virus,” he said.
“To safely conduct an election in a polling location, we have changed voting procedures that will result in slower moving through the lines. Voters will be required to social distance in the precinct. Voters will be required to wait for an available booth. Voters will not be interacting with more than one inspector, to minimize contact,” he added. “If a voter chooses to vote by absentee ballot, that alleviates the strain on the polling location and reduces the line. This results in a calmer atmosphere and less human errors on Election Day.
“A consequence of large quantities of absentee ballots (we currently have 30,500 requests for ballots) is that a majority of voters are going to be voting by mail, and therefore the tradition of waiting up to see who won on election night may not have much value. Unofficial results may take longer to post than what is typical,” Siegrist concluded.
