Poll Monitor - MI

Groundswell Contact and local partners

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Start Date: October 21, 2026, ends November 3, 2026

Pay: $25/hour, Paid Weekly

Part-time, Local hires only.

Help defend democracy by ensuring every eligible American can vote without fear or intimidation.

About the Project

Groundswell Contact has partnered with a local community organization in their efforts to deploy Non-partisan Poll Monitors to polling places across the country. Monitors serve as ears on the ground to report anything that may inhibit voters in casting their ballot. Our goal is to ensure every eligible voter can vote in a polling place free of intimidation.

About the Role

As a Poll Monitor, you’ll be the face of this program - observing anything that happens outside of the polls, and reporting voter intimidation and/or access issues via our secure reporting systems. This is a part-time role with shifts averaging 3-5 hours, 1 - 3 times a week, and up to 10 hours on Election Day. All shifts take place outside the polling location regardless of weather. This position includes training on what to look for and how to use the reporting systems before you begin.

You’ll work on a small team powered by Groundswell Contact, a field firm known for equity-centered, high-impact field organizing. Poll Monitors are W-2 (hourly), at-will employees who will be hired, managed and directly employed by Groundswell Contact, LLC.

What You’ll Do

• Follow your agreed upon schedule for the length of the program, and always arrive at your assigned polling location on time
• Follow all best practices as outlined in the training you will receive upon hire
• Report daily to your supervisor at both the beginning and ending of each shift, maintain consistent communication in our team chat
• Accurately record any voting rights concerns and report through the system as soon as it occurs
• Represent Groundswell Contact and our community partners with positivity, professionalism, and respect for the community
• Abide by all state and federal electioneering and poll observing laws
• Direct all press inquiries to your supervisor
• Support our community partners at one press event, the date and time of which will be provided by your supervisor; this may include holding a sign behind speakers, assisting with setup, or directing participants to the event site upon arrival

What You’ll Bring

• A passion for your community and protecting the vote
• Strong interpersonal skills - you enjoy connecting with people
• Reliability and good communication skills, you will be required to express voting rights concerns both verbally and in writing
• Ability to report all concerns in a timely, unbiased manner
• Comfort working independently or with a small team of monitors
• Ability to maintain a non-partisan disposition at all times
• Ability to deescalate and avoid personal engagement in conflict

Requirements

• Transportation Required. This is defined as: Having reliable transportation to your assigned polling place
• Smart-Phone with Data Plan Required: This is defined as a ‘smart phone’ with an IOS 16.6 or later, or an up-to-date android. Work on this project requires the use of an app on your personal cell phone throughout your shift.
• Ability to remain outside your assigned polling location for multiple hours while engaging with voters throughout each shift, prepared to manage working in the current local weather conditions with the exception of reasonable restroom breaks. Shifts average 3hrs and operate rain, snow or shine.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varied weather conditions with appropriate breaks and safety protocols; must provide appropriate weather attire ie. gloves, rainjacket, hat, coat
• Must be 18 years or older and legally eligible to work in the United States
• Must not have been convicted of a felony involving identity theft or campaign fraud

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Flexible schedule - your supervisor will work within your availability to assign shifts and set your schedule on the first day of employment
• $25/hour, paid weekly
• The chance to make a real, direct impact on voter protection in your own community

Equal Opportunity Statement

Groundswell Contact is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and maintains a strict policy against all forms of employment discrimination and harassment based on race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or marital, veteran, or disability status. We value the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of all our employees and believe this diversity is critical to success.