2026 Electoral Canvasser

Detroit Action, a project of Tides Advocacy; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 25,003 - 35,610; Part time

Job summary

A grassroots community organization in Detroit is seeking an Electoral Canvasser to represent its political program and engage residents about the upcoming elections. This position demands strong communication skills and a commitment to social justice while offering training in voter mobilization. Canvassers will work in various neighborhoods, conducting conversations about voter registration and political issues. The role requires working outdoors and having reliable transportation, and offers a starting salary of $22/hour.

Qualifications

• Commitment to social and racial justice.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments timely.
• Comfortable with technology.

Responsibilities

• Engage community members in discussions around voting.
• Collect and manage accurate data.
• Execute political strategy for voter engagement.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Presentation skills

Creative thinking

Ability to learn new tools

Friendly and respectful attitude

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Smartphone

Job description

Detroit Action (Detroit Action, a project of Tides Advocacy, the Detroit Action Education Fund, a project of Tides Center, and the Michigan Action SuperPAC) is a grassroots member-led, community-based organization fighting for political power, racial and economic justice for working-class Detroiters. Our mission is to build the power of individuals and families to challenge the root cause of poverty, advance justice, promote human development and expand working‑class Black and Brown Michiganders’ ability to improve our communities through leadership development, community organizing and civic engagement. Detroit Action, a project of Tides Advocacy and its sister organization, the Detroit Action Education Fund, are hosted projects of Tides Center and Tides Advocacy. We are affiliate partners of the Center for Popular Democracy (CPD) and the Alliance for Youth Action.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position will be responsible for representing the Detroit Action and Michigan Action political and policy program in our targeted neighborhoods this year ahead of the 2026 local and statewide elections. Electoral Canvassers will be responsible for engaging multiple communities on the upcoming election by face to face conversations and potentially by phone, on current issues in their community, the upcoming elections, voter registration and absentee voting. Under the mentorship and supervision of the Detroit Action Leadership Team, Electoral Canvassers will be trained to have conversations with people about registering to vote, what issues matter to them, and getting involved in mobilizing other voters in August and November.

Additionally, canvassers will participate in an ongoing training program that will teach participants how to motivate others toward taking action, learn the history of and challenges facing the social justice movement, and develop a systems‑based analysis of the power structures at the local, state, and federal level.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute yearly political strategy by working with canvassers, organizers and senior leadership team on voter engagement, registration and absentee ballot “chasing”
• Accurate data collection
• Engage residents in deep conversations around voting, laws, lawmakers, campaigns and other organizational priorities.
• Help people take action on progressive policy demands by sending letters, emails, making phone calls, signing petitions, attending meetings, etc.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend staff meetings, events and actions

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Commitment to social and racial justice
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to organize complex ideas for others to understand
• Ability to quickly learn new skills and tools
• Ability to handle multiple sensitive assignments in a timely manner.
• Be able to think creatively and outside the box.
• Friendly & respectful attitude.
• Comfortable learning and using technologies.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

The Electoral Canvasser reports to the Field Director and is a part of the Canvass Team. Electoral Canvassers work collaboratively with staff, contractors, vendors and other partners on a weekly basis to maintain program efficiency. Detroit Action and Michigan Action are projects of Tides Center and Tides Advocacy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must have access to reliable transportation
• Significant time standing, walking or moving while going door‑to‑door for canvassing.
• Must have a reliable smartphone to use daily.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The position is a temporary position; required to work some weekends (Saturday and Sunday)
• This position is community based so please be prepared to work in all weather conditions.
• The assigned workspace is a given turf within the community in which your work will be completed by talking to residents, getting forms filled out and/or inputting data on your smartphone.

The starting salary for this position is $22/hourly with opportunities of advancement. Exempt employees are expected to work the appropriate and necessary time in order to complete key assignments and related tasks on schedule.

About the Organization

Detroit Action and the Detroit Action Education Fund, are hosted projects of Tides Center and Tides Advocacy. We are affiliate partners of the Center for Popular Democracy (CPD) and the Alliance for Youth Action.

Detroit Action is an equal opportunity employer. We assure equal treatment in hiring selection, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, training, discipline and other personnel practices and terms or conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, height, weight, marital status, genetic testing status, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender status, or any other protected class established by all applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances.