Local clerks seeking poll workers for Nov. 3 election
Julie Brown, Staff Writer
Local municipal clerks are expecting a huge voter turnout for the Nov. 3 presidential election, with heavy voting both in-person at the polls and by absentee ballot.
That presents a special need, they agreed, for more and better trained poll workers this year.“It is my opinion residents should consider working at least once to learn what it's like on the other side of the table. Personal involvement can be inspirational when one considers the overall process and how it comes together on Election Day,” said Westland City Clerk Richard LeBlanc.
LeBlanc, a former state representative, said he is especially proud of one poll worker in the city who has worked at elections for nearly 60 years.
“The security and safety of the voting process is made so due to the involvement of numerous people.” Even though most election workers come together only two-three times each year, he said that interaction enhances relationships and community spirit.
The day runs from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and poll workers are paid. They receive training on their duties in advance.
“We need people willing to step up. It's a good feeling when it's done, their fundamental right to vote,” explained Plymouth Township Clerk Jerry Vorva
In Westland, the pay rate is $170. The Westland worker application link is: http://www.cityofwestland.com/Home/ShowDocument?id=13318.
Applicants must be a Michigan registered voter. LeBlanc calls new recruits a “godsend” but also notes concerns some have with in-person work due to COVID-19.
In Plymouth Township, the election inspectors (their official title) are paid from $175 on a scale up to $300 a day for a vice chair, or $350 for a chair. “They have to have some experience,” noted Vorva, “and the day is long, too.”
Vorva noted that poll workers will need to state their party to be an election inspector, and those who support a third party or who consider themselves an independent are acceptable. A Republican and a Democratic presence are at each precinct for fairness, he said.
“If you're new, we put you in with experienced people It's kind of a quasi-volunteer thing. You're helping them with that franchise,” said Vorva. The plymouthtownship.org website under “Government/Clerk” has signup details, with pay also given for training.
Presidential races bring out more voters, so LeBlanc and other municipal clerks are encouraging #VoteAbsentee. It's far more work for his staff and the AV Counting Board but “relieves strain at the physical precinct,” said LeBlanc. “It also affords the voter additional time and resources while in the comfort of their home to consider candidates and proposals before casting their votes.”
Westland City Hall on Warren Road has a 24-hour city-mail only mailbox in its parking lot where ballots can be returned. There's a 24-hour deposit slot on the front face of Westland City Hall, and weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside city hall there's a ballot delivery slot for the clerk's counter portion.
“Some people have experienced mail delivery concerns, and the best way to ensure your ballot makes it to us on time is to bring it directly to us,” LeBlanc said.
Vorva too has seen concerns on COVID-19 and notes inspectors will work in safe conditions, with face masks, gloves, and shields at precincts. A Fire Department millage renewal in Plymouth Township will bring out voters, as will other ballot measures, he said. Absentee ballot counting that night is almost “assembly-line,” he said, with workers handling each part.
“It's almost like being a bank teller,” said Vorva, also a former state representative. “You can't go home until you balance.”
LeBlanc is using social media for recruiting poll workers and plans a cable television spot. Word of mouth and State of Michigan help are also helping. LeBlanc added that teens ages 16-17 are hired in too at $100 for eight hours' work, with the hope they will stay on as poll workers after turning 18.
Nearly every other local municipal clerk has expressed the same need for poll workers and concern about misinformation regarding mail-in or absentee ballots. There are prominently labeled ballot boxes outside most city and township halls and clerks are more than willing to help absentee voters ensure their ballots are properly counted.
In Romulus, City Clerk Ellen Craig-Bragg also stressed the importance of only applying for an absentee ballot one time. She noted that those who already applied do not need to pay attention to mass mailings urging them to apply again for a ballot.
She suggested that anyone who has any question about the status of their absentee ballot call their local clerk's office to check and ensure they would be receiving the ballot they requested.
“We are here to help,” Craig-Bragg said.
