On Thursday, March 26th, CASE hosted the Behind the Ballot: Careers in Local Government and Election Leadership event, which was a phenomenal success. This career-focused event brought together students, faculty, and staff for an engaging and informative experience centered on civic engagement and career exploration.
Hosted in a hybrid format, the event welcomed approximately 40 attendees, both in person and virtually. Career Services Manager Kimberly Marsh opened the event and set the tone for a meaningful conversation focused on exposure, opportunity, and connection. The panel was expertly moderated by Kamryn H. of Keep Our Republic, who guided a thoughtful and engaging discussion with local election officials Tom Broecker (Fenton Township Deputy Clerk & Operations Manager), Lynn M. Henry (Grand Blanc Township Deputy Clerk), and Andy Meinburg (Flushing Township Clerk).
The audience included a strong presence of Political Science students, along with faculty and staff from the college. Panelists provided valuable insight into the inner workings of the election process, helping to demystify how elections are administered at the local level. They also shared what a typical day looks like in roles such as city clerk and election administrator, offering students a real-world perspective on careers that are often overlooked.
One of the most impactful parts of the event was hearing each panelist’s personal journey, how they discovered this career path, and what inspired them to pursue work in election administration. The panel also highlighted tangible ways for students to get involved, including opportunities to serve as election inspectors or poll workers, providing a direct pathway to hands-on experience in the democratic process.
Overall, the event successfully combined career exposure with civic education, leaving students more informed, inspired, and aware of the important role they can play in both their communities and future careers.
Kimberly Marsh wrote the content for this post.
