MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - As the 2014 Primary Election draws near, several things are being done to make sure August 5th is trouble-free.

July 24th, parking spaces became scarce, sign in sheets filled, and Meridian Township Residents filed into the Township Hall as election training began with just 12 days until the Primary.

As paid volunteers were briefed on rules, scenarios and simple do's and don'ts, they even caught a few laughs in-between.

But election training isn't the only step leading up to election day.

"The election process is amazingly complex, My oh my, there are layers and layers, I liken it to an iceberg, you see 10 percent of the election process while 90 percent is actually hidden," said Meridian Township Clerk, Brett Dreyfus.

Within that hidden 90 percent, the clerks office is in charge of voter registration, processing candidates, absentee ballots, voting equipment and of course, managing the workers and their annual election training.

Every two years, the state requires that election inspectors be trained. This year 120 election workers were trained with the help of a 48 page manual to help make sure the August 5th Primary runs smoothly.

Smoothly it will run, with the help of these workers who receive $9 an hour for their long and involved day.

But to some it's not just about the pay, it's about giving back to their community.

"It's a pretty easy day. You get to meet fun people and it's a way to feel like I am assimilating into the community," said Election Inspector, Sally Conley.

And as these 120 workers give back, Clerk Dreyfus explains just how important everyone's role is on election day.

"It's not only a privilege to vote, it's also a responsibility and the individuals who are workers have gone beyond just what the normal voters do, they really step up to the plate," said Clerk Dreyfus.

While he adds that without election inspectors, or their annual training day, the Primary wouldn't be possible.

If you would like to volunteer to be an election inspector, please contact Clerk Brett Dreyfus at 517-853-4324.