Poll worker Eloise Erikson checks in voters at the Greenwood Public Library Tuesday, May 2, 2023 in Greenwood, Indiana.
In recognition of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, state and local officials are asking Hoosiers to consider becoming poll workers.
Across the state, as many as 20,000 poll workers will be needed to administer efficient, trustworthy elections this November and in 2024, according to the office of Indiana Secretary of State.
National Poll Worker Recruitment Day aims to encourage more people to become poll workers in their communities, to address the need for poll workers and inspire greater civic engagement. The day is sponsored by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
There are only two requirements to be a poll worker:
- Be a registered voter and a resident of the county in which you wish to work
- Be at least 18 years old, or be 16/17 if participating in Hoosier Hall Pass.
There are additional requirements to participate as a Hoosier Hall Pass poll worker, such as obtaining permission from a student’s high school principal. Those requirements can be found in.gov/sos/elections/voter-information/voters-rights/voting-systems-in-indiana/hoosier-hall-pass/.
Poll workers earn up to $150 for their service, depending on the county. Poll workers are tasked with duties such as setting up and preparing the polling location, welcoming voters, verifying voter registrations, and issuing ballots. Poll workers are needed for the upcoming municipal elections in November and for next year’s national, state and county primary and general elections, the secretary of state’s office says.
Johnson County residents interested in signing up to be a poll worker or learning more are encouraged to contact the the clerk’s office at 317-346-4466 or email [email protected]. The clerk’s office is located in the Johnson County Courthouse basement, at 5 E. Jefferson St., Franklin.
