The following article was contributed by the Wilton League of Women Voters.
From the civil rights movement to women’s suffrage, poll workers have played vital roles in critical points throughout American History by aiding a fair democracy. Today, these workers do not only that but so much more. This workforce of unsung heroes, all committed to the electoral process, ensures that voting runs as smoothly as possible.
The Wilton League of Women Voters spoke to Wilton’s registrars of voters, Karen Birck and Annalisa Stravato, to discuss the importance of these workers and how residents can engage in democracy and step forward to become one.
The Role
Poll workers complete different tasks, all of which pertain to easing the voting process for everyone. Birk and Stravato work with poll workers to “make sure that election day and early voting runs smoothly and is staffed.”
But what does “running smoothly” mean?
To an outsider, voting appears simple, but behind the scenes, many differing roles (such as moderators, assistant registrars, ballot clerks, and more) exist. Poll workers are tasked with setting up equipment, canvassing results, processing voters, demonstrating procedures and more. The more well-run polling places there are, the stronger the American democracy gets.
The Requirements
Anyone interested in this role must fill some requirements before performing the duties. Every poll worker must complete training that blends in-person work with self-study, which goes “a long way towards having people remember what we try to teach them.” While poll workers must also be both US citizens and registered voters, the most important requirement is that “they want to perform,” Birck and Stravato said.
The League recommends residents register to be poll workers if they have a passion for providing voting support to everyone.
Supporting voting for “everyone” is crucial for poll workers. All workers must take an oath of non-partisanship whilst they are working at the booth; you must be ready to assist anyone with voting, no matter their opinions.
While there is a common misconception that only adults can work in polling booths, 16-17-year-olds are able to participate with a parent’s permission. In fact, high schoolers are often needed to aid with the enormous task. “We need a lot of staffing,” Stravato said, and high schoolers help ensure these spots can be filled.
The Reason
Poll workers are needed now more than ever. “A number of them [poll workers] have full time jobs and are committed for election day only,” Birck explained. In addition, early voting presents even more of a challenge for supplying the workforce. It can be extremely hard to find people available as many full-time jobs are often still open on these days. Stravato and Birck urged more people with availability to “step up and help us with early voting” as “we often need hundreds of people.”
Anyone who has the availability and interest to help can register today by contacting the registrar of voters. For more information, visit the Town of Wilton Website to contact the registrars. You can also call at 203.563.0111.