2022 Volunteer Non-Partisan Poll Challenger Project
In partnership with Promote the Vote’s Election Protection Program, the Voters Ed Fund is launching a full-scale Non-Partisan Poll Challenger and Observer Recruitment Program for the November 8th General Election!
We are committed to recruiting and training volunteers to protect voters’ rights and help keep Michigan’s elections safe, free, fair, and transparent.
Voters Ed Fund’s goal is to recruit 500 volunteers who will observe election administrators and poll workers, and advocate for voters at risk for voter disenfranchisement at the polls. In addition to poll challengers and observers, we will also need volunteers that are interested in and dedicated to the oversight of Absentee Ballot Counting Boards to ensure a smooth, full, and complete count of all absentee ballots.
Got Questions?
Set up a time to chat with one of our Poll Challenger Organizers by selecting a link below
If you live in Southeast Michigan (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties),
Please contact Jackie Quander.
Or
- Send an email to Jackie at jackie@votersedfund.com
If you live in Central, Western, and Northern/UP Michigan, please contact Rickie Kreuzer.
Or
- Send an email to Rickie at rickie@votersedfund.com
Otherwise, check out FAQ section below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we need nonpartisan poll challengers?
Nonpartisan poll challengers play a crucial role in protecting voters from being disenfranchised at their polling place by…
- Being the voter’s advocate. A nonpartisan poll challenger’s only priority is protecting the rights of the individual voter – not the party or candidates on the ballot.
- Monitoring the election process at polling locations, satellite offices, and absent voter counting boards.
- Raising an official objection, called a “challenge,” if the challenger does not believe that the poll worker is following Michigan’s election law.
What's the difference between a Poll Challenger and a Poll Watcher?
Poll Challenger: someone who observes the election process and can make challenges; challengers are credentialed and must be registered to vote in Michigan
Poll Watcher: someone who observes the
election process but cannot make challenges; poll watchers are not credentialed and need not to be registered to vote in Michigan
What are the requirements to become a Poll Challenger?
- Must be registered voters in the State of Michigan
- May not be a candidate for any elective office in the election
- May serve in any precinct or absent voter counting board in the state
- Must carry a credential issued by the appointing group or organization
What are the expectations for volunteer Poll Challengers?
- Commitment to nonpartisan volunteerism while serving as a poll challenger.
- Interested in learning about voting rights and how to protect voters from being disenfranchised.
- Complete training and assessment before Election Day (appx. 2 hours of time)
- Available on Election Day – We encourage volunteers to be available the entire day, but shorter shifts will be available for those with work and family obligations.