Become an Election Day Pollworker

Have you ever wondered how you can become more active in city government?

There are plenty of opportunities for you that do not involve running for elected office. Detroit has 503 voting precincts and 134 absentee counting boards. During an election, each of these precincts and boards requires a staff of paid precinct inspectors to assist voters as they arrive at the polls on Election Day.

Registered voters interested in serving as precinct inspectors must submit an election inspector application and take a brief test at the Detroit Department of Elections. In addition to your name, address and date of birth, applicants must include their political party preference and qualifications to fill the position such as education or experience.

A precinct inspector who is 18 years of age or older must be a registered voter of the State. They cannot be a challenger, candidate, member of a candidate's immediate family, or a member of the local Board of Canvassers. Anyone convicted of a felony or an election crime may not serve.

Citizens who are 16 and 17 may also apply and work as a precinct inspector.

Come to the Department of Elections and complete the

Election Inspector Application 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• DO I HAVE TO LIVE IN DETROIT?

You do not have to be a resident of Detroit. If you are 18 years of age or older, you must be registered to vote in Michigan. 16 or 17 year olds may also work as a poll worker.

• WHERE WILL I BE ASSIGNED TO WORK?

You will be assigned to one of our 450 polling precincts located throughout the City of Detroit. Our goal is to assign you to the closest available polling precinct to your home.

• WHAT IS MY RATE OF PAY?

You will be paid based on classification.

• HOW LONG IS THE TRAINING SESSION?

Each training session will last approximately two and a half hours.

• WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY PAY?

All Poll workers checks are mailed within three to six weeks after each election. 

The Department of Elections is located at