All Voting is Local Michigan
Board of Canvassers Observer Program
We are recruiting volunteers to observe the County Board of Canvassers Meetings.
Posted September 11, 2024
Background & Context
Observers are crucial at county canvassing board meetings to ensure election integrity. In rural Michigan, where observers are few, it's vital to cover every county to safeguard the certification process and voter rights.
Immediate Problem
We need to ensure there are enough observers, especially in rural counties, to monitor county canvassing board meetings and safeguard the election certification process.
Work & Deliverables
A lawyer observing the county canvass should:
- Attend a county canvassing board meeting, which begin within 48 hours after an election and continues until the canvass is complete, typically within 14 days.
- Be aware that boards must wait six days after Election Day to account for military and overseas ballots.
- Ensure that any observations and participation comply with local election laws, specifically focusing on the transparency and accuracy of the process.
- Utilize the SignUpGenius (SUG) platform, in partnership with the League of Women Voters Michigan, to schedule observation shifts, divided into three time slots: 9am—12pm, 1pm—3pm, and 3pm—5pm, with some variation depending on the county’s schedule. Volunteers can sign up for multiple shifts.
- We will streamline the information as we approach the certification timeline, and volunteers can choose which counties to monitor. However, we’ll prioritize rural counties and send out a list for focus areas.
Preparation Phase
- To sign up for a shift for Sign-Up Genius, the League has two program requirements:
- Volunteers must participate in Observer Training
- Adopt the League's Observation Guidelines discussed during training
Collaboration Phase
- Wear your League badge or an LWV nametag. The League’s presence must be visible
- Observe the Board of Canvasser’s processes and decisions. Follow the County Canvass Checklist
- Take notes
- If you observe any disruptions or attempts to slow the canvass, report it
Wrap Up
- Complete a Google Form shift report within two hours of concluding your shift
All Voting is Local Michigan
All Voting’s mission is to fight voter suppression and advance pro-voter policies at the state and local level, ensuring that all Americans, particularly Black, Brown, Native American, and other historically marginalized communities, have their voices heard.
Volunteer for this project!
All Voting is Local Michigan would love your help with this project. Enter your name and email address to get started!
All Voting is Local Michigan
All Voting’s mission is to fight voter suppression and advance pro-voter policies at the state and local level, ensuring that all Americans, particularly Black, Brown, Native American, and other historically marginalized communities, have their voices heard.