The Department of Elections Honors Former Poll Workers and Seeks Volunteers for November 5 Election

Department of Elections

City and County of San Francisco

John Arntz, Director

For Immediate Release

SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, August 1, 2024 - Today, our nation observes National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, an initiative established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission in 2020. The purpose of this day is to inspire civic engagement and encourage people to sign up to become a poll worker.

"Poll workers are essential to our voting process, playing a pivotal role in administering in-person voting on Election Day," said Director John Arntz. "While many voters prefer voting by mail, thousands of San Franciscans still rely on in-person voting. Ensuring that we have enough poll workers available on Election Day is crucial for providing voters with the assistance they need and ensuring the integrity and security of the election. Today, on behalf of all our local voters, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all former, current, and future poll workers!"

For every Election Day, the Department of Elections recruits approximately 2,000 poll workers to assist local voters at around 500 neighborhood polling places. Both returning poll workers and new recruits receive comprehensive training and materials to ensure they are well-prepared to assist voters properly. Poll workers receive a stipend of up to $295, depending on their specific assignments, and a collectable election-specific pin in recognition of their service.

To become a poll worker in San Francisco, you must be 1) a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and 2) either at least 18 years old or a high school student in good standing who is at least 16 years old. High school poll workers must also have parental permission to serve.

Those interested in serving as poll workers can sign up at any of the outreach events attended by the Department's outreach team, with more events being regularly added to the Outreach calendar at sfelections.gov/events. You can also sign up online at sfelections.gov/pwa, visit the Department's office in City Hall, Room 48, or call (415) 554-4395. To learn more, visit sfelections.org/pw or contact the Department of Elections at (415) 554-4375 or [email protected].

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