Election Inspectors

Have you ever wondered how elections are run? It’s because of dedicated community members just like you! Being an election inspector is a great way to meet neighbors, support democracy in your community, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how elections are carried out! Election inspector pay begins at $19/hour.

To qualify in Michigan, you must:

• Be registered to vote in Michigan (we can help you register!)
• Be willing to declare a political party preference
• Have no felony or election-related convictions

Election Inspector Positions in the City of Ann Arbor 

​Poll Worker Poll Workers can be assigned to any of the City's precincts. They work from 6:00 a.m. to approximately 10 p.m. (with two one-hour paid breaks!) to set up for the day, process voters, then pack up and close the polls. This is our greatest need!

Student Election Inspector Student election inspectors can work as poll workers. To participate, students must submit an application and permission slip, be at least 16 years old, and be in good academic standing.

Absentee Voter Count Board (AVCB) Worker The AVCB operates like a precinct; however, instead of processing voters, AVCB workers process and tabulate all the absentee ballots that have been returned to the Clerk's office. The AVCB is typically located at the City of Ann Arbor's Election Center, located at 3021 Miller Rd., Ann Arbor, until​ the last ballot has been processed, typically 11:00 p.m. or later.

Receiving Board Worker Receiving Board Workers work in pairs (one Republican and one Democrat) to check the paperwork returned at the end of the night, verifying that that everything is in order. Workers start at 7:30 p.m. and work until approximately 11:00 p.m.  

Early Vote Site Worker Early Vote Site Workers can work at any of the City's early vote sites. These sites operate like a precinct but have daytime hours. This position has limited availability.

How to become an Election Inspector in Ann Arbor:

• Submit your election inspector application to be added to our recruitment list
• Respond to our recruitment email sent ~75 days before each election
• Attend a paid training in the City of Ann Arbor
• Receive your assignment 
• Work on Election Day in the City of Ann Arbor

If you have previously worked in a City of Ann Arbor election as an election inspector, there is no need to reapply. Depending on our recruitment needs, you will receive an email from recruiters@a2gov.org approximately 75 days prior to each election.

Apply Now!

Prospective election inspectors have two options for submitting their election inspector application! To apply online, visit City of Ann Arbor Election Inspector Application and complete all required fields. To apply by email, mail, or in-person, please see the PDF forms linked below.  

Election Inspector Forms

• Cell Phone Stipend Request for Election Inspectors (PDF)
• Direct Deposit Form for Election Inspectors (PDF)
• Application for Election Inspectors (PDF)
• Student Election Inspect​or Application​​​​ (PDF)

Questions?

Email our recruiting staff at Recruiters@a2gov.org or call the Clerk’s Office at 734.794.6140

Good to Know: Voter Photo ID Requirements

Voters in the State of Michigan are required to present a valid photo identification at the polls on Election Day in order to vote, OR if a voter does not have acceptable photo identification with them, the voter will be required to sign an affidavit before an election inspector stating so, in order to vote.

Voters may satisfy the photo identification requirement with any of the following documents, as long as they are current:

• Driver's license or state ID card issued by Michigan or another state
• Federal, state, county or local government-issued photo ID
• U.S. passport
• Military photo ID card
• Student photo ID card from an educational institution (Attention U-M students: Bring your M-Card!)
• Tribal photo ID card
• Local or county issued government ID
• Concealed Pistol license​

IMPORTANT - Voters without ID will not be turned away on Election Day! Any voter not possessing valid ID on Election Day can sign an affidavit in order to vote.