Meet Michigan's Local Election Leaders

Across the state, clerks carry out the vital work of ensuring our elections run smoothly, safely, and securely. They are devoted public servants who work in our counties, townships, and cities, making sure you can vote and that our democracy thrives.

This election year, our hope is to introduce you to some of these hardworking members of our community with brief conversations about what they do and why they are committed to this important work. This edition of Local Election Leaders features Grand Rapids City Clerk Joel Hondorp.

ACLU: Why did you want to become a clerk?

Clerk Joel Hondorp: I have a lifetime passion for elections and public service. My dad worked for the City of Grand Rapids, and I spent 4 summers as a seasonal employee for Grand Rapids. As a student at Michigan State University, I was a candidate for Ingham County Commissioner twice, and then I was successfully elected as Byron Township Trustee in 1996. In 2000, the Byron Township Clerk ran for Kent County Clerk, and I ran for her position and was elected clerk. In 2018, I was appointed as the Grand Rapids City Clerk. While my early career plans were to be elected to higher office, I have thoroughly enjoyed being a municipal clerk.

ACLU: What is the best part of your job? What is the most challenging?

Clerk Joel Hondorp: The best part of my job is when I can assist voters one-on-one. It is especially gratifying when a voter votes for the first time, and I get to witness firsthand that experience.

The challenging aspects are the constant changes to the election process and the confusion it creates for voters, clerk staff, and election workers.

ACLU: Do you have a memorable moment or memory from your time serving as a Clerk?

Clerk Joel Hondorp: The 2020 Presidential Election is the most memorable, especially the Absent Voter Counting Board. With the challenges COVID presented, absentee ballots in Grand Rapids increased from 16,000 ballots in 2016 to 60,000 ballots in 2020. The eyes of the nation were on Kent County the entire election cycle. While it was challenging, it was amazing to see clerk staff, election workers, media, and challengers working together to accomplish the monumental task of processing those ballots and keeping the public up to date on the progress.

ACLU: What do you want voters to know? Anything else that you’d like to share?

Clerk Joel Hondorp: I always say “Know Before You Go!” I share with every voter/group I speak to, go to www.michigan.gov/vote. The website is a powerful tool for voters and would make Election Day a better experience for all involved.

I am thankful to serve along with all my fellow election officials around the state. Voters should know how dedicated municipal clerks and their staff are to make sure every eligible voter can register to vote and cast their ballot safely and securely.