SLO County seeking poll workers for upcoming November General Election

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – The San Luis Obispo County Elections Office is putting out a call to the public seeking poll workers for the upcoming General Election in November.

The effort comes as the county office, along with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), recognizes August 1 as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day.

"Election workers are critical to ensuring accessible and accurate elections," said SLO County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Elaina Cano. "We are excited to recognize and participate in National Poll Worker Recruitment Day and help bring awareness to the need for poll workers locally ahead of the election in November. By highlighting this day, we hope to inspire civic engagement and volunteerism and to encourage people to serve their community in this way."

This year's General Election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 5 and will feature the Presidential race, which is expected to produce a heavy turnout at the polls.

"We're expecting even more people for the Presidential General Election," said Erin Clausen, San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder's Office public information specialist.. "Also, every election cycle there are new voters who've turned 18, or who have registered to vote for the first time. I think the enthusiasm is definitely going to be there, and it's not just for the Presidential General, there are a lot of local races that are important to people too."

To be eligible to serve as a poll worker, a person needs to be at least 16-years-old and legal permanent United States resident.

"It gives anyone a chance to contribute to the community and to be a part of what is an important process," said John Cutler, who served as a poll worker for the first time earlier this year during the March Primary Election. "It makes you feel involved and makes you appreciate all the work that goes into it and the results. You'll come away with a new appreciation for the whole process, and it's very rewarding."

Workers will receive a paid stipend for the time $48.50 for half day, $97 for full day, plus $20 bonus for attending the election training courses, and will perform a number duties while serving on Election Day.

"On Election Day, poll workers set up the polls," said Clausen. "They greet voters. they there are five voter registrations, issue ballots, and they help voters who need help. Some people are voting for the first time or have questions. They help the voters. we also have, digital technology on site. It's not connected to the internet, but it allows some voters to vote via touch screen. So they help voters with that process, and printing out that ballot that gets counted along with the rest of the paper ballots. 

Those who are interested in serving as a poll workers, click here to visit the SLO County Clerk-Recorder's Office website for more information.