Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

PHOENIX – Anticipating high voter turnout for the upcoming statewide elections, Secretary of State Ken Bennett is asking for poll workers who can help man the 2,200 polling places that will be open to voters on Election Day.

The State is seeking, in coordination with county elections offices, more than 14,000 poll workers to operate polling places and facilitate the Aug. 24 primary and Nov. 2 general elections. Regular poll workers can earn $75 to $100 per day; more experienced poll workers can make $110 to $125 per day. A full-day commitment is required from 5:30 a.m. to about 8 p.m. on Election Day.

“Poll workers are critical players in our representative democracy, as they ensure that Arizona elections run smoothly and efficiently. We can’t do this election without them,” said Secretary Bennett. “Additionally, this call for paid poll workers represents a valuable opportunity to Arizonans looking for temporary work.”

Poll worker responsibilities include the following:

Attend the required training classes

Assist voters as necessary

Know how to properly use the voting unit

Check voter identification

Issue voters “regular” and “provisional” ballots

Be a team player, be flexible and have a positive attitude

Serve all voters promptly and with sensitivity to voters with special needs

Poll workers must be:

At least 16 years old

A U.S. citizen

Available for the Aug. 24 Primary and/or Nov. 2 General Election

Poll worker training varies by county. But for regular poll workers, a single training session of less than two hours is all that is required. Most training sessions begin about two weeks prior to Election Day.

To become a poll worker, contact your local county Recorder’s Office or visit www.azsos.gov/election/pollworker/default.htm.

More information: www.azsos.gov/election/pollworker.