KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – As clerks across the state are gering up for early voting beginning this Saturday, the City of Kalamazoo is saluting about 260 election workers will support local voters for the November 3 General Election.
The city says those workers servce at the Kalamazoo’s 20 voting precincts, absent voter counting board, receiving board, and other election operations. About 60% of those workers live within the City of Kalamazoo.
“Elections are a fundamental part of our democracy, but they don’t happen on their own. They happen because people from our community are willing to step up, learn the process, work a very long day, and make sure their neighbors can cast their ballots,” said Mayor David Anderson. “We are incredibly grateful to every election worker and member of our Clerk’s Office team for the care and professionalism they bring to this important responsibility. The best way the rest of us can honor that work is to participate—make a plan and vote.”
Election workers are paid temporary City employees for Election Day. They receive training on election procedures, assisting voters, operating election equipment, processing ballots, and the responsibilities associated with their assigned roles. Many workers serve for 16 hours or more as polling places are prepared before voting begins, voters are assisted throughout the day, and required closing procedures are completed after the polls close. Election workers earn an hourly wage and receive approximately $300 for an election assignment.
This year, Kalamazoo has welcomed a significant number of new workers to its election team. Nearly 40 new workers joined for the August election, and another 36 are preparing to serve in November.
The City Clerk’s Office accepts election worker applications throughout the year. More information and an application are available at www.kalamazoocity.org/ElectionWorkers.
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