Blind Worker at Clinton Township Polls Assists Voters Within 10-Foot Barrier

Ron DeMitchell is four days into his new role as an election worker in Clinton Township, Michigan. He is the first blind person to hold the position in the township. His specific duty is to stand beside the tabulator and assist voters with inserting their ballots into the machine.

Under standard election protocol, sighted poll workers must remain outside a 10-foot barrier surrounding the tabulator. DeMitchell is permitted to cross that line. This exception allows him to guide voters directly at the point of ballot submission, a task other workers cannot perform.

Clinton Township Clerk Kim Meltzer identified the need for this specific assistance. She observed that voters frequently struggle with the physical mechanics of placing ballots into the tabulator. Meltzer met DeMitchell at the Clinton Township library for the blind and recognized his potential to solve this recurring issue.

Meltzer stated, “I thought right away, Ron would not have to abide by that 10-foot barrier because he is 100% blind. He cannot see.” She noted that DeMitchell addresses a problem she has seen persist across multiple election cycles. The township hired him to ensure the voting process runs smoothly for those who need hands-on help at the machine.

DeMitchell’s involvement with the election team stems from New Horizons, a nonprofit organization focused on job training and placement for individuals with disabilities. Larry Thouin, a social worker at New Horizons who has collaborated with DeMitchell for several years, describes the transition to the polling floor as seamless. Thouin reported that DeMitchell adapted to the role quickly and now operates independently within the building.

Thouin observed that DeMitchell navigates the polling place effectively. As soon as a voter approaches the machine, DeMitchell moves to greet them and offer assistance. Thouin noted that voters have reacted positively to the setup, with many commenting that the arrangement is “awesome” and a “really cool opportunity.”

DeMitchell, who has been blind since birth, said his primary goal is to ensure all votes are counted. He emphasized that his role is focused on the tabulator. He also expressed a broader hope that his employment demonstrates that people with various disabilities deserve opportunities to work. He stated, “People with all kinds of disabilities deserve an opportunity to work.”

Clerk Meltzer said the township intends to expand its outreach to other individuals with disabilities. She argued that such candidates are often overlooked in hiring processes. Meltzer said, “We want to reach out to people with disabilities because sometimes they are overlooked. And people think, ‘Oh, if you have a disability, you can’t do a job.’ And that’s just not true.”

Meltzer views DeMitchell’s role as a model for other communities. She believes inclusive employment strengthens the workforce and the democratic process. She described individuals with disabilities as a “huge asset to our democracy.” DeMitchell’s message to voters remains straightforward: “Get out and vote. Your vote does count.”