Election Inspectors
Assist local voters and become an active supporter of elections!
Election inspectors are people who assist voters at the polls on election day. Those interested in serving as election inspectors can obtain and submit an election inspector application at the Columbia Township Clerk’s office or by downloading the form at the bottom of the page and submitting it to the clerk’s office. In addition to their name and address, applicants must include their political party preference and qualifications to fill the position, such as education and experience.
- Workers 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.
- High school students (ages 16 and above) can be appointed to be an election inspector and do not need to be registered voters, but must declare a political party and can be paid.
- Students cannot, however, be Election Inspector Chairpersons.
The Township Election Commission appoints inspectors at least 21 days, but not more than 40 days, prior to an election. Election inspectors are covered by the Federal Minimum Wage Act.
The Columbia Township Clerk in conjunction with the Van Buren County Clerk provides election inspector training for appointed inspectors. Upon successful completion of the training, the inspector will obtain a certificate for election work.
Feel free to call the Clerk’s office at 269.434.6227 for more information.