Every eligible Michigander deserves to cast a ballot without intimidation or obstacles. Here’s how to become a poll watcher to help protect that right. If you see a problem at the polls, call the Election Protection Hotline.
Plus, join your community at Mothering Justice’s Ballot Bash in Detroit or the Slay the Vote drag show in Grand Rapids.
Be a poll watcher
A poll watcher is a person who observes and documents the election process to make sure our elections are fair and accessible. Michigan allows poll watchers to observe elections at a polling place, an early voting site, or an absentee ballot processing facility.
Poll watchers can report concerns to the challenger liaison and document what they observe. For voter suppression, intimidation, or other voting-related concerns, you call the Election Protection Hotline.
Poll watchers are allowed to observe the electoral process as long as the total number of poll watchers does not cause disruptions to the voting. Poll watchers must stay in the assigned public viewing area, a designated space set up by election officials. Poll watchers may be required to swear an oath.
Poll watchers may not interfere with the voting process or engage in other activities prohibited under state law. This includes prohibitions against speaking with voters and election inspectors other than the challenger liaison without the challenger liaison’s permission. Poll watchers also cannot issue challenges or photograph or record anything other than posted election results.
Who can be a poll watcher in Michigan?
Michigan allows any member of the public to oversee elections as a poll watcher, as long as you are not a credentialed poll challenger or candidate for elective office being voted on in the election.
While there are no official application or training requirements to serve as a poll watcher in Michigan, volunteering through an organization can provide training and resources to help you understand the law, know your role, and be prepared to document any issues you observe. Click here to sign up with Election Protection.
See a problem? Report it to the Election Protection Hotline
If you run into any problems or have voting-related questions, call the Election Protection Hotline:
- English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687-8683
- Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA / 1-888-839-8682
- Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US / 1-844-925-5287
- For Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, or Vietnamese: 1-888-274-8683
Other ways to get involved in Michigan:
Get involved with elections
Poll workers are paid and trained local government workers who assist with running local elections. Click here to learn more.
Poll challengers are volunteers that observe the voting process and can formally challenge an inspector’s actions. Promote the Vote offers an on-demand online training for those interested in service as a nonpartisan poll challenger.
Attend an event
Mothering Justice Action Fund is hosting its annual Ballot Bash at The Jam Handy in Detroit on Thursday, Oct. 8. The event will bring together community members, state leaders, and advocates for an evening of civic engagement, relationship building, and understanding what is at stake, and getting ready to make care a priority at the ballot box.
Slay the Vote 2.0 kicks off on Monday, Oct. 26 at the Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids with a voter empowerment party and drag show.
Are you ready to vote?
Use The ’Gander’s voter hub to verify your registration status, find your polling place, and access key voting information.
