So far, some 1,300 Michigan residents have applied to become election workers for local elections on May 5th.
The Secretary of State called for help after some election workers backed out due to concerns about the coronavirus.
The election will occur largely by mail. The Secretary of State will mail an absentee ballot to all registered voters.
And, per an executive order, only one polling location will be open in each election jurisdiction.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said she is confident the May 5th elections will be well staffed.
“But even more so when it comes to our statewide elections in August and November we have a strong group of folks who are willing to sign up and serve and make sure our elections go smoothly.”
Benson said it is important to prepare for August and November elections.
“While we all hope and pray that this pandemic passes quickly we will still be in need, as we were before this began, for more active and qualified workers for our state elections in August and November.”
Election workers will be paid for their efforts.
Benson said the goal of universal absentee voting is voter safety - but one side-effect may be a larger voter turnout.