Secretary of the Commonwealth urges Pennsylvanians to serve as poll workers
Philadelphia, PA – By serving as a poll worker, individuals contribute to the democratic process and help facilitate a fair and transparent election, ensuring that every eligible voter can cast their ballot and have it counted.
In honor of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt encouraged all eligible Pennsylvanians to volunteer as poll workers for the November 5, 2024, General Election.
Schmidt, with extensive experience in elections, highlighted the importance of serving as a poll worker, describing it as one of the most fulfilling acts of civic engagement. He emphasized that elections, the cornerstone of democracy, rely heavily on the dedication of approximately 45,000 poll workers staffing over 9,000 voting locations across Pennsylvania each Election Day.
According to Schmidt, the Shapiro administration remains dedicated to ensuring free, fair, safe, and secure elections. This commitment includes protecting voting rights, improving election efficiency and transparency, and ensuring every eligible ballot is counted. Poll workers play a crucial role in achieving these goals.
In recognition of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, designed to spotlight nationwide poll worker recruitment efforts, Schmidt attended a training seminar at Esperanza in Philadelphia. He engaged with trainees, inquiring about their experiences and expressing gratitude for their service. Schmidt also urged eligible individuals to register to vote and consider becoming poll workers.
“Poll workers are the lifeline of our elections and our democracy,” said Omar Sabir, chairman of the Philadelphia City Commissioners. “Each election they ensure that our polls are open and operational, and that we continue to have simple, safe, and secure elections. If you would like to become a poll worker, contact your local election office.”
Philadelphia City Commissioner Seth Bluestein also supported National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, highlighting the essential role of dedicated community members in making elections possible. He emphasized the ongoing need for civic-minded individuals to serve, especially bilingual poll workers.
Schmidt emphasized the need for bilingual poll workers, particularly those fluent in Spanish or Mandarin. The administration is committed to removing barriers that prevent eligible voters from casting their ballots. Some counties are federally required to provide voting materials in various languages, while others are proactively offering interpretation services.
Pennsylvania poll workers must be registered voters, meeting voter registration eligibility criteria. The state also allows 17-year-old high school juniors and seniors to serve as poll workers with permission from their school principal and parent or guardian. Poll workers are compensated for their time during training and on Election Day.
Registered voters interested in becoming poll workers can fill out the Department of State’s Poll Worker Interest Form. Seventeen-year-old high school juniors and seniors can complete the Department’s Student Poll Worker Interest Form.
By participating as a poll worker, individuals can make a significant impact on their community and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
