BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — It’s as easy as picking up the phone and calling your local clerk’s office. It’s a paid position too and you just might make a few friends along the way.
"That’s it in a nutshell. Election is democracy at work so I love to do it," said Michelle Coats, election chairperson for the city of Battle Creek.
You can too, elections staff across the state are recruiting everyday Americans to work the polls on November 3.
"Generally just contact your local clerk. Every county in the state of Michigan needs assistance right now. If they’ve filled the positions, they are more than happy to refer them to another township or another city," said Battle Creek city clerk Victoria Houser.
Over the past 15 years, these ladies at the elections office in Battle Creek have become thick as thieves while protecting the integrity of the voting process.
"It’s great to get together with them again. catch up on family stuff and what’s going on in their lives," said Donna Catchman, an election worker.
Unable to access the internet or even their phones, passing the time on a slow election year with low voter turnout involves creativity.
“If you were wise you’d bring a book with you or Sudoku, knitting or crocheting."
But it’s a presidential election year and they’re asking for all the help they can get.
"We have to set up the computers to take the voters name and address and then issue them a ballot we have the right amount of ballot with the right numbering sequence," said Catchman.
They’re also responsible for processing voters, making sure equipment still works and of course, passing out the“I voted” stickers.
"There’s no such thing as a bad question when you're voting. because you want your vote to count, so it’s important to ask the question before you start marking your ballot," said Coats.
You can register to vote online or by mail by October 19.
Other important deadlines to remember:
Register online or via mail by October 19.
You can always register in-person on the day of election.
Absentee ballots are going out right now and should be returned in person by October 30 postmarked by November 2 or returned in person before polls close on election day.
