LAPEER — As we barrel toward the August and November elections, Lapeer County Clerk Theresa Spencer has been busy conducting training sessions for people who will serve as election inspectors.
“Working as an election inspector, it’s beneficial to receive training, and then you can sign up to be available to work in any jurisdiction in the state,” said Spencer. “Election inspectors take an oath to work in a precinct and follow the laws of the state to execute everything needed for an election.”
Those duties include working with the voters, distributing ballots, running the e-poll book, standing by the tabulator, and sitting on the absentee ballot counting board, among other duties. The training gives an overview of the election day responsibilities, a review of the equipment used in the precinct, as well as anything that is specific to a particular election.
Election inspectors are chosen by the local jurisdictions, and Spencer said the inspectors have been chosen for the August election, but anyone who is interested is welcome to attend training if they are interested in serving in the future. There is no cost, but space is limited, and the workers already chosen by local jurisdictions will be given priority to ensure they are able to attend training before the election. Spencer has already taught a class of 60 and has four more classes scheduled for the month of July.
“This training has been a big part of me getting ready for the elections,” said Spencer, whose staff has also been busy filling supply orders, making absentee voter ballots available to the local clerks, and getting the precinct kits packed up for the Aug. 2 election.
If you would like more information about election inspector training, contact Spencer’s offer at 810-667-0356 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, or between 8 a.m. and noon on Wednesday.