UTICA — In the lead up to National Poll Worker Recruitment Day on Tuesday, Jan. 25, Oneida County Board of Elections Commissioners Sarah F. Bormann and Nichole D. Shortell encourage residents who are registered voters to sign up to become poll workers for the 2022 primary and general election and beyond.

National Poll Worker Recruitment Day is a national day of action established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to encourage people to help America vote by signing up to be a poll worker.

By encouraging more people to become poll workers in their communities, National Poll Worker Recruitment Day works to address a critical shortage of poll workers, strengthen democracy, and inspire greater civic engagement. 

In order to become a poll worker, state Election Law requires voters to be registered with either the Democratic or Republican parties. If a voter is not affiliated with any party, voters must choose to represent one of the major parties on Election Day.

“Serving as a poll worker is a great way for voters to give back to their community and support the electoral process,” the announcement by the Oneida County elections commissioners said. “In addition, poll workers get paid $25 for attending a mandatory training class and $200 for their work on Election Day.”

On Election Day, election workers are asked to be at their assigned poll site from 5:15 a.m. until the poll site is closed — around 9:30 p.m.

Some of the responsibilities include: 

Preparing the polling place for voting;

Setting up the voting equipment;

Signing-in and processing voters;

Closing the polling place;

Canvassing/reporting the results; and

Assisting voters, if requested.

Interested voters are encouraged to visit: www.ocgovboe.net/poll-worker-information/ to complete an online application.

Voters may also contact the Oneida County Board of Elections via phone at 315-798-5765 or via email at: BoardofElections@ocgov.net with any questions or to request a paper application.