Local boards call for poll worker sign-ups on Election Day

Local Boards of Elections are urging people to sign up to work the polls for the election on Nov. 5.

Established in 2020 by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, Aug. 1 is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. 

This day is dedicated to encouraging people to sign up as poll workers and help ensure a smooth voting process.

In Washington, D.C., the Election Day staff work from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and earn approximately $250 to $300.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and attend a four-hour training session, while supervisory workers are required to complete a full day of training.

To be eligible, poll workers must be residents of D.C., and supervisory workers must be both residents and registered voters.

Among other duties, workers are also expected to assist in preparing the precinct for two to three hours the day before the election.

“By encouraging more people to become poll workers in their communities, National Poll Worker Recruitment Day aims to address the critical shortage of poll workers, strengthen our democracy, inspire greater civic engagement and volunteerism, and help ensure free and fair elections in November and beyond,” their website says.   

In 2022, EAC also launched “Help America Vote” to support recruitment efforts for election officials. 

For more details on how to become an election poll worker, click here.

According to a 2022 Election Administration and Voting Survey, more than half of election officials find recruiting poll workers challenging, while nearly a quarter find it somewhat or very easy.

The data also showed that the average poll worker is 61 or older, with a decrease in younger age groups from 2020 to 2022.

In this same period, in-person voting increased from 30.5% to 49%.

While specific responsibilities and wages vary by jurisdiction, poll workers are typically assigned to set up and arrange the polling place, assist voters, confirm voter registrations, and distribute ballots.

They also support voters by assisting with voting equipment and explaining voting procedures.

If interested, people should check if they need to be a registered voter, meet age or residency requirements, or have a political party affiliation.