Oneida County Board of Elections Highlights Needs on National Poll Worker Recruitment Day View

The Oneida County Board of Elections (BOE) is utilizing National Poll Worker Recruitment Day to highlight its needs for the 2024 General Election.

In partnership with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the BOE recognizes August 1, 2024, as the fourth annual National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. Launched in 2020, this initiative seeks to address the ongoing poll worker shortage, promote civic participation, and ensure the integrity and security of the elections in 2024 and beyond.

"Election workers are critical to ensuring accessible and accurate elections," said BOE Commissioners Sarah F. Bormann and Nichole D. Shortell. "We are excited to recognize and participate in National Poll Worker Recruitment Day to help bring awareness to the nationwide poll worker shortage ahead of the election in November and to help inspire civic engagement and volunteerism to encourage people to sign up to serve their community. We are grateful for the positive response we have received since the beginning of the year when we began sending monthly poll worker recruitment postcards and hope more will join their ranks in the leadup to November."

Poll worker responsibilities include activities such as setting up polling places, greeting and processing voters, and issuing ballots. Poll workers also assist voters in understanding the voting process by demonstrating the use of voting equipment and explaining voting procedures. The BOE oversees election staff and poll workers, including providing training before Election Day.

In Oneida County, poll workers are paid $50 to attend an annual training session. Election Day pay starts at $250 for those who work the polls the entire day (approximately 5:15 a.m. until 9:45 p.m.), with opportunities for poll workers to earn up to $300 as they continue their service to the county. Shorter shifts with prorated pay are available for those that are unable to work the entire Election Day shift.

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. also emphasized the importance of civic engagement saying that, "Poll workers are the backbone of our democratic process. Their dedication and commitment to our communities ensure that every vote is counted accurately and fairly. I encourage all eligible residents of Oneida County to consider volunteering as a poll worker and contributing to the integrity of our elections."

In-person voting on Election Day is how the vast majority of Oneida County's almost 140,000 voters choose to participate in elections. Ensuring sufficient poll workers are available on Election Day is crucial for providing voters with the assistance they need and providing a smooth voting experience for all.

"Poll workers are essential to our voting process, playing a pivotal role in the success of our elections. Volunteering as a poll worker is an impactful way for Americans to serve their country and communities," said EAC Chairman Ben Hovland. "The EAC aims to support state and local election officials in their recruitment efforts, address poll worker shortages, and engage new generations with National Poll Worker Recruitment Day."

National Poll Worker Recruitment Day exemplifies civic engagement in elections, aiming to encourage potential poll workers to help America vote. Poll workers uphold our democratic system by enabling citizens to cast a free and confidential ballot to choose their representation.

For more information about National Poll Worker Recruitment Day and how to become an election worker, please visit ocgovboe.net or HelpAmericaVote.gov.

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