(WXYZ) — The Michigan Department of State says it has a "significant election worker shortage" in the state for the upcoming August primary.
According to the state, the shortage is specifically in Oakland and Wayne counties.
The state department says the COVID-19 pandemic has left local clerks facing the shortage, and they are attempting to recruit the staff they need on election day.
Election workers are trained and paid to assist clerks and count the ballots.
According to the state department, the increase in absentee ballots and the usual need for workers at polling places has required more election workers.
Anyone who is registered to vote in Michigan, or 16 and 17-year-olds, can sign up to serve as a worker by visiting Michigan.gov/DemocracyMVP.