Serving as a Poll Worker—More Than Keeping the Lights On

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Kim Sillen
October 14, 2024

The average U.S. citizen would probably agree that voting for our representatives is one of our sacred American rights, but did you ever stop to think about what would happen if no one volunteered to fill the roles of election workers? If you live in a state where poll worker harassment is rare or nonexistent, you might regard your polling site as a self-sufficient entity, where they just flick on the lights and everything takes care of itself. Self-sufficiency is far from the truth, however. There are many different jobs to be done at a polling locations, and coupled with long hours, it’s potentially exhausting work in the best-case scenarios.

Add the possibility of threats and intimidation in places where recent elections have been highly contentious or marked by circulating conspiracy theories, and you have a highly stressful work environment. It’s easy to understand why these jobs can be difficult to fill.

Adequate numbers of poll workers can be so hard to come by, that the state of Nebraska has a draft system in place, similar to a jury duty requirement, in order to secure staff for their elections. According to NPR, some of the people who started as draftees with no intention of ever being poll workers end up continuing as volunteers because of the positive impact of the experience.

Outreach efforts to volunteers across the country still account for most staffing hires, though. Significant pay raises for poll workers in multiple states make the opportunity much more alluring—for instance, Oklahoma, Alabama and New York have recently increased the wages for poll workers, with the latter offering compensation of $300 for a 14-hour day for general positions.

I spoke with a Sophie (not her real name), an Early Voting Coordinator in Manhattan and veteran poll worker of ten years, who cheers the recent pay increase for her role and that of her subordinates. [She stressed that all the opinions expressed are her own personal views and not a reflection of the NY Board of Elections.]

When I asked why Sophie originally volunteered as a poll worker, she responded that in 2014, she had been traveling back and forth from New York City to abroad to take care of an ill family member, and that this made her feel out of touch with her NYC community. When she returned fulltime, she looked for ways to immerse herself in her neighborhood, from with joining the local PTA, to working with nonprofits, to finally becoming a poll worker.

“I really just wanted to be an advocate…a poll worker increases participation in democracy. It’s part of a process that’s important and makes a difference for the better good. I’m interested in ensuring that the voting process runs smoothly, and it’s hard to fill these positions,” she explained. She also added that the work has been educational, empowering, and has given her insights into the process of voting. “The extra money for Christmas is nice, too,” she added, “though that’s not my compelling reason.”

When asked what is her motivating factor, Sophie replied decisively, “I’m compelled to serve my community, and this is what the universe led me to for the last ten years.”

I questioned what advice she might have for people thinking about this work. “Self-care is important with this!” she exclaimed. “It’s hard work, and meditating helps.”

She expanded that the work can be intense with grueling hours and that in New York City, poll workers are required to work nine days in a row for early voting, with 14-hour days, generally from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. She noted that the early voting period necessitates 110-130 hours of work, and that individuals are trained for all roles and must be prepared to do any of them.

Roles include tech support; preparing the polling place for voting, and setting up the voting equipment. In terms of interacting with the public, workers are needed to sign-in and process voters, demonstrate voting procedures and assist voters if requested. Closing the polling place, canvassing and reporting the results are critical jobs at the end of the night, and poll workers remain onsite working after voting hours are over.

As a first-time voting site coordinator, Sophie chooses to arrive at 4 a.m. rather than an hour later, to ensure that everything will be running smoothly when the voters arrive, with time to troubleshoot any unforeseen situations. While she is positive and confident about the behavior of Manhattan’s electorate at the polls, she notes that with six proposals on New York’s ballot, the voting process will probably take longer than usual this year.

“The Fast Pass definitely helps,” she adds, referencing a contactless key-ring tab that is sent to NYC voters to expedite the check-in process. (Note to voters: bring it if you have it!)

When asked about the potential for negative attention for poll workers, Sophie responded resolutely, “Our job is to only help people and process their votes. There are strict policies against speaking about our political views. I’m focused and I take this job very seriously. I’m very excited about the opportunity!”

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Author: Kim Sillen is the Deputy Director of Creative Service at NYC DOT. She cofounded The Largest Generation (now See Gen Z Vote), a youth voter advocacy internship for college students in 2020, which created digital campaigns and infographics for colleges and organizations across the U.S. that were looking to reach potential Gen Z voters. More recently, she partnered with Lift Every Vote, which utilized her research on preregistration. [email protected]

 

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