City Recognizes Election Workers on Election Hero Day

On Election Hero Day, the City of Kalamazoo is recognizing the hundreds of people from across the community who help make local elections possible. 

About 260 election workers will support Kalamazoo voters for the November 3rd General Election, serving at the City's 20 voting precincts, absent voter counting board, receiving board, and other election operations. About 60% of those workers live within the City of Kalamazoo. 

They are neighbors, retirees, students, working professionals, family members, and other community members who come together for each election to help their friends and neighbors exercise their right to vote. 

“Elections are a fundamental part of our democracy, but they don’t happen on their own. They happen because people from our community are willing to step up, learn the process, work a very long day, and make sure their neighbors can cast their ballots,” said Mayor David Anderson. “We are incredibly grateful to every election worker and member of our Clerk’s Office team for the care and professionalism they bring to this important responsibility. The best way the rest of us can honor that work is to participate—make a plan and vote.” 

Election Hero Day is a national, nonpartisan celebration recognizing election officials, staff, and election workers who administer elections and help provide a safe, secure, and accessible voting experience. 

For many Kalamazoo election workers, the motivation is simple: serving their community and helping their neighbors participate in the democratic process. 

When asked what they enjoy most about serving as an election worker, Kalamazoo election inspectors have described it as “serving my community and protecting democracy,” “supporting the process for a free and fair election,” and “helping to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to make their voice be heard in our democratic process.” Others point to the people they meet and work alongside, or even family traditions of election service. 

Those responses reflect a common theme among Kalamazoo's election workers. While many see the work as a civic responsibility, it is also a direct way to serve their friends, neighbors, and community. 

Hundreds of People Working Together 

Running an election requires a large temporary workforce. The City needs approximately 260 election workers for primary and general elections, with each precinct generally staffed by eight to 12 people. 

Election workers are paid temporary City employees for Election Day. They receive training on election procedures, assisting voters, operating election equipment, processing ballots, and the responsibilities associated with their assigned roles.  

Election Day itself is a significant commitment. Many workers serve for 16 hours or more as polling places are prepared before voting begins, voters are assisted throughout the day, and required closing procedures are completed after the polls close. Election workers earn an hourly wage and  receive approximately $300 for an election assignment. 

This year, Kalamazoo has  welcomed a significant number of new workers to its election team. Nearly 40 new workers joined for the August election, and another 36  are preparing to serve in November. . 

The City Clerk's Office accepts election worker applications throughout the year. Applications are kept on file, and Clerk's Office staff contact applicants as election dates approach, staffing needs are determined, and training sessions are scheduled. More information and an application are available at www.kalamazoocity.org/ElectionWorkers.