Want to be a part of democracy in action? Be a poll worker in Manatee County
Want to earn a little extra cash while being part of democracy in action?
Become a poll worker.
Sept. 1 was National Poll Worker Recruitment Day and there are several different positions that the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office fills ahead of each election, especially at each voting site.
Every polling station has five paid positions, two of which require previous poll worker experience, according to the supervisor of elections website.
Those positions include a certified clerk and a certified assistant clerk. They are each required to complete a five-part certification course and are responsible for the general performance of their individual precinct on Election Day.
The assistant clerk is essentially the secretary of their precinct and completes the majority of the paperwork while assisting the clerk in ensuring the precinct runs smoothly.
The positions pay $262 and $192, respectively, for the hours worked on Election Day, which typically runs from 6 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Other paid positions include the certified tabulator inspector and the certified EPB ballot inspector. Both positions pay $155.
The tabulator inspector assists the clerk and guides voters through the process of using the tabulator and assists in transmitting the votes to the elections office. No previous poll worker experience is needed, but the tabulator inspector must complete a three-part training course.
The EPB, or electronic poll book inspector, processes voters as they enter the polling station and must ensure every voter provides the required identification to verify eligibility. The inspector must be computer friendly and able to follow detailed instructions. A one-part training course is required.
The deputy is the final paid position and earns $153 for the day. The deputy is responsible for setting up flags and signs in the morning and taking them down at night, as well as the voting booths. During the election hours, the deputy remains outside the door making sure voters have their ID ready.
The deputy ensures anyone outside the polling station whose intent it is to campaign is obeying the 100-foot distance laws away from the polling station. If there is still a line of voters at the 7 p.m. cutoff, the deputy will take the last position in line to ensure those still in line are able to vote while not allowing new arrivals to get into line, per state law.
All new poll workers are required to attend an unpaid three-hour orientation. Mandatory training sessions, however, are paid time for lengthy sessions and salary rates are the same as for Election Day.
The elections office cautions that working at the polls isn’t for everyone. The job often requires physical exertion, sharp senses and the ability to put in a long day.
For those who feel they may qualify and want to get involved, visit votemanatee.com for more information or fill out an online application, or call 941-741-3823.