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College Greek organizations stepping up to serve democracy

Sororities and fraternities statewide are competing to recruit election workers

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced today that sororities and fraternities from campuses across the state have committed to recruit election workers for the Nov. 3 general election.

The Greek organizations are competing in a challenge hosted by the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) to see which can recruit the most election workers ahead of the election. Recruits do not have to be members of a Greek organization themselves. All participating organizations will be listed on the MDOS Partners in Democracy webpage, and the winning organization will be announced in a statewide press release by Secretary Benson.

“I am thrilled that these organizations are stepping up at this critical time to support democracy,” said Benson. “We are providing personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, and protocols for hygiene and distancing to all election jurisdictions. All Michigan polling places will be clean and safe for all workers and voters on November 3.”

The Michigan Bureau of Elections has allocated $2 million for masks, gloves, face shields, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer. It has also received considerable donations of such supplies from private organizations. Protocols have been sent to all election clerks with instructions to ensure polling places and absentee ballot counting boards exercise social distancing and proper hygiene. All election workers are required to wear masks and should be symptom-free. Voters are strongly encouraged to wear masks as well.

Additional Greek organizations are still welcome to join the competition. For individuals who have already signed up to be poll workers, you will be counted as long as the Greek team leaders submit a list of individuals who have signed up. More information is available at Michigan.gov/SOSGreekMVP

All election workers will be paid for their work by the local election jurisdiction they serve. Take on the challenge, serve your community, and Rush Democracy MVP.

MDOS has already recruited more than 20,000 election workers across the state through its Democracy MVP campaign. There is a critical need for workers this year because the pandemic has forced many experienced and immunocompromised workers out of service.

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