Although Tuesday’s primary elections drew a less than five percent voter turnout, the city of Madison is in need of 100-150 additional people to work at the polls in the year’s remaining three elections.
Almost any UW-Madison student qualifies to be an Election Official, the paid position that oversees voter registration and electoral proceedings on Election Day.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said this is a great opportunity for student involvement.
“The city is in need of poll workers. Last election there was sort of a crisis where people were waiting in long lines to vote and didn’t have the time to wait,” Verveer said. “The city would love to have UW students [working the polls].”
Election officials earn $5.70 per hour and can commit to a half-day shift, either in the morning or the afternoon, or work an entire shift, lasting from 6 a.m. to roughly 8:30 p.m.
“The pay seems low, but at times voting slows down and there is time to do homework,” Verveer said. “You’re also helping out democracy and participating in civil duty.”
Madison has five regular election officials that are assigned to 73 polling places throughout the city. They are in charge of overseeing the polling process.
Chairman of Gordon Commons’ (Ward 45) polling station, Adam Young, said he has been proudly serving as an election official for 18 years. He said by working at a polling place, students can be a part of America’s most fundamental democratic process–the general election.
“I’m one of those people who believe in civic duty,” Young said. “I hope students take advantage of [the opportunity].”
Poll workers are in charge of checking voters in, registering them, assisting in changes of address, checking off names and collecting and tabulating votes.
Verveer said the city offers training for new poll workers and no experience is necessary.
There are about four poll workers at each station throughout the city during spring elections. During fall primaries for state offices, however, the city will try to have at least eight officials at each station, especially in areas with high student populations, Verveer said.
“Students tend to wait until the last minute to register to vote or change their address,” Verveer said. “We usually try to put more election officials in those areas.”
Deputy City Clerk Sharon Christensen said she did not know exactly how many students were currently working as election officials, but she said there are few. Verveer estimates only a handful.
“This is really the first attempt to try and reach students,” Verveer said.
Christensen said 100-150 additional people are needed to work poll stations throughout the city, whether they are students or citizens.
“We’d be happy to have students,” she said. “As long as they commit to a full shift.”
County and school board elections will be held in April, and elections for state offices such as governor, state legislature and Congress will take place in September and November.
“It’s worth it for students to demonstrate that they’re civic-minded,” said Young. “It’s an impressive thing to add to a resume, in addition to serving your community.”
Anyone interested in working as an election official should call the City Clerk’s Office at 266-4601.
