Election Workers

The City of Portage is seeking community-minded individuals to serve as paid Election Inspectors. Election Inspectors help ensure safe, fair, and accurate elections. Elections in 2026 include a Special Election on May 5, 2026, the State Primary Election on August 4, 2026, and the State General Election on November 3, 2026.

Eligibility & Training

  • Must be a registered voter in the State of Michigan
  • Must declare a party preference as required by state law
  • Must attend training prior to working an election and every two years thereafter
    • Training is typically 2 hours, held 2 - 3 weeks before an election
    • $20 paid for attending training

Election Work Opportunities

There are several ways to serve, depending on your availability:

Election Day Polling Precincts (Most Common Assignment)

  • Work directly with voters on Election Day
  • 13 precincts throughout Portage
  • Hours: 6 AM until approximately 9 - 10 PM
  • Pay:
    • Poll Worker: $16/hour
    • Co-Chairperson: $17/hour + $25 allowance
    • Chairperson: $18/hour + $50 allowance

Absentee Voter Counting Board

  • May work both pre-processing ahead of Election Day and on Election Day
  • Hours: 8 AM until approximately 11 PM
  • Pay:
    • Worker: $16/hour
    • Co-Chairperson: $17/hour
    • Chairperson: $18/hour

Election Receiving Board

  • Evening-only opportunity at City Hall on Election Day
  • Hours: 8 PM until approximately 10 PM
  • Pay: $50 for the evening
  • $16/hour paid for hours worked past midnight
  • Previous Election Day experience required

Early Voting (State & Federal Elections)

Appointment Process

  • The appointment process is managed by the City of Portage Human Resources Department.
  • Staffing begins about two months before Election Day
  • Appointments are determined approximately seven weeks prior to Election Day
  • Appointments are made primarily by email.
  • Applicants must accept or decline within five days and commit to the date they are being asked to work.
  • Communication is primarily sent from loebige@portagemi.gov

Application Process

Interested individuals may download the 2026 Election Worker Application and return it to Human Resources at Portage City Hall or electronically via email to recruitme@portagemi.gov or use the online application on the right side of the page that will allow you to complete and submit your application in one step.

Questions?

  • Human Resources: (269) 329-4533 or text-only (269) 998-1385
  • City Clerk’s Office: elections@portagemi.gov (for election-related questions)