Farm Bureau members encouraged to answer call for poll workers

As Michigan prepares for upcoming August and November elections, county Farm Bureau members are encouraged to consider serving as poll workers — a meaningful way to support local communities while helping ensure elections run reliably and with a welcoming experience for voters.

Through the Support MI Clerks initiative led by the Michigan Chamber Foundation, organizations and community groups are helping recruit and educate residents about the growing need for poll workers across the state. 

For Kent County Farm Bureau member leader and Grand Rapids Charter Township Clerk Ed Robinette, poll workers are essential to making elections happen at the local level.

“As a clerk, we could use up to 60 people in a busy election to get the job done,” Robinette said. “It’s essential to have election inspectors that are willing to do the hard job of helping voters throughout the day. We couldn’t do it without them.”

Robinette said many longtime poll workers return election after election because they enjoy serving their communities and working alongside neighbors.

“You’re helping your neighbors, and that’s really what this comes down to,” he said. “In a township or precinct, these are people you know. This is how our government works, and it takes people willing to step up and make the system work.”

He added that people involved in agriculture are often especially well-suited for election work because of their strong work ethic and dedication to their communities.

“As farmers, we know what long days are like,” Robinette said. “People are dedicated, they’re there to get the job done, and I think those are qualities farmers have.”

Robinette also encouraged anyone who may be hesitant about volunteering for the first time to give it a try.

Support MI Clerks organizers encourage members and others interested in serving their communities to express their interest through the online interest form. Even volunteering for a single election can help local clerks fill critical staffing needs.

“It is not a daunting thing,” Robinette added. “You’re not all by yourself trying to figure this out. You’re working with people who have done it before, and your local clerk is there to help.”

Poll workers assist voters, help manage polling locations and support local clerks during busy election cycles. Many communities offer compensation ranging from roughly $175 to $300 per day, according to the initiative.

Dan Papineau, senior director of strategic initiatives with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, said strong volunteer support is critical to ensuring elections run smoothly and maintaining public confidence in the process.

“Poll workers are critical in helping elections run smoothly, efficiently and with public confidence in the process,” Papineau said. “The scale of modern elections requires a large team of trained poll workers to serve voters effectively on Election Day and, now with early voting, several days before Election Day.”

Papineau said poll workers also help create a positive experience for voters while strengthening trust in local elections.

“Poll workers are often the first people voters interact with when they arrive at their polling place,” he added. “Whether it is helping voters check in, answering questions or assisting with ballots, poll workers help make the process more efficient and less stressful for voters.”

He noted that rural communities can face unique challenges recruiting enough election workers, making local involvement especially important.

“In many rural communities, recruiting enough poll workers can be especially challenging because populations are smaller and election administration resources are often more limited,” Papineau said. “When individuals step forward to help, they can make a tremendous difference for their local clerk and for their neighbors.”

Farm Bureau members interested in learning more or volunteering can complete the interest form through the Support MI Clerks initiative website. County Farm Bureaus are also encouraged to share information about the initiative with members and local communities to help support clerks ahead of upcoming elections.