4,000 poll workers needed across Arizona for primary election

PHOENIX - The Secretary of State’s office is looking for several thousand workers to man polling places on two election days this year.

Currently, more than 10,000 people have signed up to be poll workers for the August 24th primary and November 2nd general election, but the state needs 14,000 workers to operate the polling places.

The positions are paid. Regular poll workers can earn $75 to $100 per day, while more experienced workers can earn between $110 and $125 per day. A full-day commitment is required, from 5:30 a.m. to around 8 p.m. on Election Day.

This year, the primary election is a week earlier than usual, and several counties are having trouble filling the positions. Traditionally, snowbirds have been relied on, but they haven’t arrived yet. Also, many Arizonans are still on summer break.

Secretary of State Ken Bennett is asking that year round residents fill the open positions.

"The Primary Election is early this year, so we're not able to rely on the same number of snowbirds we usually do to work the polls," said Secretary Bennett. "We need Arizona's year-round residents to participate in greater numbers to ensure that the state elections run smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, this call for paid poll workers represents a valuable opportunity to Arizonans looking for temporary work."

For more information, and to sign up to be a poll worker, contact your local county election’s office, or visit azsos.gov/election/pollworker/default.htm .