Ottawa County Elections Internship
David
Experience Information
Employer: Ottawa County Elections
Job Title: Elections Intern
Major: Political Science
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
As part of the Executive branch of county government, the Ottawa County Clerk and Register Deeds team works hard to help it's customers and encourages their trust in government. The elections team is apart of the clerk/register of deeds office, and is located in the Fillmore complex. The elections team has 11 members, including myself as intern.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I worked election night, on February 27th. I was a runner, who's duties include waiting at a local township/city to bring back the election results to our office. I was responsible for putting together precinct kits for all of the counties precincts, gathering supplies from various lists. I also took part in our testings for both the February election, and the May election. Testing is conducted the month before the election, and includes running ballots through our scans, as well as printing off ballots to be tested with our Voter Assist terminals, which are used for people who cannot read or write properly. I also helped organize our vault, moved various objects and things around to help make room. I helped bring new or returning equipment down to our vault. I did in house testing, where we ensure that our ballots are being read properly before we go out and do our public testings. I mailed voter registration forms out every week. I worked on making a list of our training certificates all in one spreadsheet.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned the process of the election cycle, from candidates filing for office, all the way till the post election audits. I developed a greater respect for the detailed process that goes into ensuring our elections are secure. I learned to work together as a team to meet goals and to finish projects/testing. I learned to problem solve when things went wrong. I also learned that there is a lot more driving in elections than you expect - but that is a good thing.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Going to the townships/cities and testing. It's cool to meet all of our local clerks, and see what goes into preparing for election night. Election night was also cool, because I got to bring results back to our office late at night, and then see how we upload results, and work with the local news on that.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This internship has given me a greater understanding of how county government functions, specifically how elections works. I do believe I would enjoy working for Ottawa County, or somewhere within the state at least. I have a deeper admiration for working in government.
Internship Format
In Person