Recruiting Poll Workers Effectively
Citizens participate in the electoral process in many ways. One of the most enjoyable next to casting their vote is working at their local polling location. Many citizens don’t realize they would qualify to be a poll worker, making recruitment an important piece of the Election Day preparation puzzle.
The passage of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in 2002 brought about many changes to voting systems across America. Along with system and equipment changes, poll workers who were bilingual and comfortable with evolving technology became a high recruitment priority. New voting technology makes poll worker training a more streamlined process, allowing jurisdictions to get creative in their approach.
Many articles exist about poll worker best practices, scientific reasoning behind the difficulty of recruiting poll workers and guidance on training and retention. In this two-part series, ES&S will focus on:
- ways to recruit quality poll workers
- why college students and “young people” make great temporary poll workers
Recruitment:
When recruiting poll workers it’s best to make the most of your resources. Your existing website or social media accounts are great places to start. Post about the requirements of a poll worker, where to go to apply and the perks (many people don’t realize poll workers do get paid for their services). Putting aside funds from your budget for social media advertising can also boost your recruitment efforts.
Local events present another opportunity for recruitment. Getting a booth at your local craft fair, parade, festival, etc. gives you a chance to interact with locals face to face. Again you can outline the responsibilities of poll workers, answer any questions and have people fill out applications on the spot. Voter registration drives are also perfect opportunities to recruit poll workers already invested in the democratic process.
Materials you should have on hand:
- Application forms (simple with instructions on how to return)
- Brochures about being a poll worker, responsibilities
- Signup sheet for people who’d like additional information
- Posters with the same messaging as your website and social media accounts
Mail campaigns are also effective outreach methods. Whether sent through the postal system or emailed out constituents frequently check their mail. Proper forms can be included for people who immediately show interest in serving as poll workers. This also helps you gauge an applicant’s proficiency with technology and reading ability. Make sure your email lists are current and reach out to community organizations to see if your call for poll workers can be included in one of their mail campaigns.
What should your messaging be?
While you’re messaging will depend largely on the demographics in your jurisdiction, below are a few phrases that tested positively in focus groups the League of Women Voters conducted in 2006.
“Serving as a poll worker is fun!”
“You can serve your community” or “Your community needs x number of poll workers…”
“You will be PAID!”
It is also a good idea to form your own focus group. Ask representatives from different demographic groups like young professional voters or bilingual voters what would motivate them to serve as poll workers.
Another consideration would be a phone call campaign. If constituents’ home numbers are available calling to talk can personalize your recruitment efforts. You may also find new poll workers in stay at home parents or individuals who work or take classes at night. If leaving a message during your call campaign, make sure you have adequate staff available to respond if a constituent returns your call.
Radio and public access television stations are required to donate time for public service announcements—take advantage of this. Compose a 28 second message (it’s always good to leave a bit of wiggle room for a 30 second spot) that includes specific information like how many poll workers are needed, requirements, your phone number and where interested parties can apply.
For additional resources, The Election Assistance Commission has a web page dedicated to poll worker best practices including a Guidebook for Successful Poll Worker Recruitment, Training, Retention and Management. Also check back for the second part of our Recruitment series where we will discuss the benefits of high school and college aged poll workers.