What are the responsibilities and job description for the Internship: Elections position at Ottawa County?
Do you have an interest in local and state government? Have you ever wondered what is involved with coordinating an election and watching the results come in from behind the scenes on an election night?
The Ottawa County Clerk's Office is looking for its next elections intern! This is a paid position that will be involved with planning and executing several elections in Ottawa County in 2026. Voters will go to the polls to vote on local ballot proposals and elect local, state, and federal candidates to office. The intern will help as we test elections equipment to ensure it is in working order, communicate with our local clerks and carry out all necessary tasks leading up to, and after, the election. The intern also will assist with other office responsibilities within the Ottawa County Clerk/Register of Deeds Office.
- The intern will work 12 hours per week.
- The work schedule is flexible and will be coordinated between the intern and the Elections Supervisor.
What to expect as an Ottawa County elections intern:
- To assist with outreach and voter education either online or at community events.
- To process all incoming voter registration forms.
- To handle a variety of behind-the-scenes election planning tasks including: communicating with and assisting local candidates, preparing election supplies for delivery to our cities and townships, and helping to test our ballots and voting equipment ahead of the election.
- To assist in the processing of campaign finance documents for local candidates.
- To learn about how we serve the public through providing and preserving vital records, land records, and election results.
- Required Education, Training and Experience
A college student currently enrolled in classes at the junior or senior level. Most often, our interns are studying political science, public administration or another social science field. It is helpful to have previous experience working in an office setting.
Needed skills:
The ideal intern must be able to interact positively and professionally with elected officials, candidates, media, and the general public as a representative of Ottawa County. Our intern must be efficient and understand time management, have strong written and verbal communication skills and be a problem solver. An intern who works well individually and as part of a team and is proficient in using social media and Microsoft Office programs.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.