Blind worker assists voters in Michigan

Ron DeMitchell stands next to a voting machine in Clinton Township, Michigan, guiding a voter through the process of inserting a ballot. He has been blind since birth, a condition that allows him to perform a task most other election workers are prohibited from doing. DeMitchell started this role four days before the current date. He is the first blind election worker hired by the township.

Standard election protocol requires staff to remain behind a 10-foot barrier surrounding the tabulator. This rule keeps a clear separation between the machine and the public. However, the rules contain a specific exception for blind workers. DeMitchell is permitted to approach the machine because he cannot see the barrier. This proximity allows him to assist voters who struggle with the physical act of feeding the ballot into the slot. His specific job is to ensure that every vote is counted correctly by the machine.

Clinton Township Clerk Kim Meltzer identified DeMitchell as a potential solution to a recurring problem. She met him at the local library for the blind. Meltzer has observed frustration in previous elections when voters could not figure out how to insert their ballots. She recognized that DeMitchell would not be constrained by the 10-foot rule. Meltzer stated that she saw an immediate solution in DeMitchell because he is 100% blind and cannot see the barrier. This arrangement allows him to stand right beside voters and guide them through the steps.

DeMitchell secured the position through New Horizons, a nonprofit organization that provides job training and placement for people with disabilities. Larry Thouin, a social worker at New Horizons who has collaborated with DeMitchell for several years, reports that the transition to the polling place was smooth. Thouin notes that DeMitchell navigates the building independently. As soon as DeMitchell hears a voter approach the machine, he moves to greet them. Thouin observes that DeMitchell has picked up the role quickly and now operates on his own.

Voters at the polling place have responded positively to the new arrangement. Thouin reports that many voters have approached him to say the situation is awesome. They view it as a cool opportunity. DeMitchell believes his work sends a message about employment for people with disabilities. He states that people with all kinds of disabilities deserve an opportunity to work. Meltzer agrees with this sentiment. She notes that people with disabilities are sometimes overlooked. She wants to demonstrate that having a disability does not prevent someone from doing a job.

Meltzer describes DeMitchell as a huge asset to the democracy of the township. She hopes to use his role as a model for other communities. The goal is to show that inclusive employment opportunities strengthen the workforce. Meltzer says the township wants to reach out to more people with disabilities. She believes this will challenge the idea that disabled individuals cannot work effectively. DeMitchell’s presence at the polls serves as a practical example of this philosophy in action.

DeMitchell offers a direct message to the public regarding their participation in the election. He tells voters to get out and vote. He emphasizes that their vote does count. His role at the tabulator ensures that the mechanical process of voting functions as intended for every participant. The township continues to operate with DeMitchell at the machine. Other election workers remain outside the 10-foot barrier. DeMitchell remains inside it, ready to assist.