Anyone ever work the polls on election day?

[ChrisinNJ]

I know, election day just passed so this is an odd time to ask this question, but about a month before election day I saw an add for election day poll workers and the pay was $200.00 per day. I sent in an email & never heard anything back. Well today I got this response:

Dear Christine,



Yes, we are looking for poll workers for next year’s elections. Classes will be held in the spring 2010. If you are interested in applying, please fill out the attached application and get it back to me. We will contact you by mail in the spring with class dates.



General Information:

-Must be a registered voter in Monmouth County

-Must attend a class to be certified as an Election Board Worker and attend a refresher course every two years for updated information

-Primary and General Election work hours are 5:15am-8:30pm, with a one hour lunch break

-Pay is $200 for the day for Primary and General Elections

-School Board Election hours vary from town to town. Polls close at 9pm

-Pay is $14.29 per hour for School Elections

-Will need your Social Security number for payroll



Thank you for your interest in becoming an Election Poll Worker.



Brandy Scott

Monmouth County BOE

732-431-7802 office

732-303-7648 fax

bscott@co.monmouth.nj.us

Trying to decide if I should go for it.....My hubby is off on election day, but not the day of the primary. I guess it could be a good way to pick up a couple of hundred dollars for the year.

Of course I was hoping to be in Disney on election day 2010......

Have you ever worked the polls? Doesn't seem like hard work to me.

Christine

 

[secretpantssam]

I worked the polls once about 6 years ago. My parents actually work the polls almost every year. It is a pretty easy gig, especially during non major elections. It's just a really long day. You have to be there at about 6am and then stay until everything is closed up at night. I suggest bringing a book....or 2. I would definitely suggest looking into it if you're interested.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

When I lived in Annandale VA I was an Election Officer for Fairfax County for 14 years, 12 of them as Chief Officer at my home precinct.

First thing is they do try to get you into your home precinct. Howver the first year or so you may be in a different (hopefully nearby) precinct until they can fit you in based on staffing levels.

Another thing that can make a real difference is the Chief Officer. I am a CPA and have done a lot of systems work, so at closing multiple jobs were being done at once (or even in advance of possible) and the absolute latest we ever left was 7:40 (with the polls officially closing at 7:00). I had a friend who worked in a precinct run by a little old lady and they went step-by-step through the closing procedures and were lucky to get out at 10:00.

But I did enjoy the work, and the people who worked for me enjoyed the work.

One funny thing was getting the job. The application asked which political party I would be representing, since Virginia you do not register as a party preference. As I was a reasonably high level Federal Employee I asked the agency's General Counsel about this; the response was that it was only to try to keep the numbers of Republicns and Democrats approximately equal at each precinct. However, since it was a paid position, and due to my grade I had to get approval for my part time (once or twice a year) job. So I had to send my resquest through channels to the Director of the agency for approval.

 

[Folklore]

My parents are both retired and work the election polls for their "fun" money. They have been doing it for awhile now and really enjoy it. They have met some great people and are always looking forward to the next election. You could always try it once and see if you like it.

 

[Disnydad]

Used to work the polls back when I was a police officer in the Peoples Republic of Massachusetts. I got time and a half for being there to keep an eye on the election workers.

 

[maggiew]

I work the polls every year. That pay is pretty good compared to what we get. And we don't get a lunch break - just eat when ever there is a slow period or take turns, etc.

It is a long, tiring day. It isn't difficult, but there are lots of rules, etc. that you need to be very familiar with. The hardest part is when someone isn't allowed to vote for some reason (like they aren't registered - which you need to be here - or they moved and didn't update their addresses, etc.). They will yell and swear at you, etc. The thing I miss most is watching election coverage. I don't know whats going on until I get home!!!

But, it is a nice way to pad the Disney fund. That is why I do it every year!!!!!

Maggie

 

[Ava]

Hmm, I might look into this for next year. I get 3 paid personal days at work (in addition to my regular vacation time) so I may as well use one or two to make an extra $200 working the polls.

 

[georgina]

The pay isn't that high around here! It is a long day and can be tiring, especially the presidential elections.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

humm where would I get more infromation? I would like to do this!

 

[Costumesaremylife]

FunkyChunkyMonkey call your local city or town hall and ask for the Election Dept.

 

[wdwfan16]

I have never worked the polls but a my GF does it every year. She likes to do it and it gives her some spending money.