Are you a civic-minded individual who likes to solve problems? Are you a punctual leader who is detail oriented? If the answers to these questions are yes, then you should consider becoming a poll worker for the upcoming 2018 election cycle.
It takes a lot of planning and hard work to run a countywide election in the fourth largest county in Florida. Poll workers help to ensure that polling places run smoothly and that every voter who is registered to vote gets to cast their ballot.
The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office is seeking Election Day superheroes aka poll workers. In order to become a poll worker, you must be a registered Hillsborough County voter who can read, write and speak the English language. Bilingual poll workers are needed as well. Poll workers must also be willing to work a 14 hour day with patience, courtesy and a smile. All poll workers are paid and must undergo training. The training varies depending on the position, but it typically lasts three to six hours. Poll workers must complete an online application and pass a test.
Poll workers must be able to transform everyday rooms into polling places by setting up privacy booths, tables, equipment and supplies needed for voting. Poll workers must also be completely impartial and nonpartisan while working at polling places.
On Election Day, poll workers are assigned to one of 271 polling places. The poll worker works at a single location.
“The 2,500 plus poll workers that we hire are extremely important to our elections process. They are the ‘boots on the ground’ who make it possible for our community to participate in our voting, and they do a great job,” said Craig Latimer, Supervisor of Elections for Hillsborough County.
“We are recruiting poll workers right now, and we will continue until we fill all positions. We especially need poll workers who speak both English and Spanish,” added Latimer.
During the 2016 election cycle, poll workers gave more than 600,000 voters a voice in democracy.
The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections is getting ready for the upcoming election cycle.
If you would like more information on becoming a poll worker, please visit www.votehillsborough.org.
