Be part of the solution, not problem

Dear Editor,

2024 looks to be a very important election year here in Lapeer County, in surrounding areas and throughout the country.

The League of Women Voters encourages citizens to become part of the process and help assure our elections are secure, accurate and fair.

One of the best ways to achieve this is to become an election worker (a paid position) at your local polling place or in a neighboring polling place or county.

The first step would be to contact your local clerk and inquire about their need for workers (for the 9 days of early voting and/or on election day).

If your local clerk is not in need of workers, often the County Clerk may be aware of needs in other cities or townships within the county. Since polling places are required to have equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats, often some areas need Democrats while others may need Republicans.

Poll workers must take training to be certified, and County Clerks usually offer several training sessions prior to elections.

If you are willing to travel a bit, consider working in a neighboring county.

The Michigan Secretary of Sate has a sign up process at MI.gov/PollWorker where you can sign up. Your name will then be shared with municipalities throughout the state looking for poll workers.

With all the concern about the security and fairness of elections, being a poll worker will allow you to see the process, the checks and balances and hopefully feel positive about the accuracy of our elections.

The League can also connect people with information about being a poll watcher, election challenger or Board of Canvasser Observer and the rights and duties regarding these positions.

If you are interested, contact your local league at

LWVFlintArea@gmail.com. The League serves Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties.

We encourage you to be more involved in our voting process and become an advocate for our free and fair election system.

— Janet Watz, President
League of Women Voters of the Flint Area