Poll workers are making elections happen
2024 has been a year where more voters than ever in history have headed to the ballot box across the globe, and community connection and generosity plays a key role in that form of civic participation too.
As Americans head to the polls, they’ll be putting their ballots in the trustworthy hands of local poll workers. These Election Day heroes devote long days to ensuring every eligible voter has the ability to make their voice heard at the ballot box.
From counting thousands of ballots and checking in countless voters to ensuring polling places are accessible — there’d be no election without poll workers. That’s why we’re highlighting the impact of poll workers from across the country ahead of the 2024 U.S. Election.
Because even when the world feels overwhelming, people are determined to come together to make their communities stronger.
If you’d like to share your story with us, please reach out to adam@givingtuesday.org.
We spoke with Amy Jacobus, a former dancer from the Midwest turned marketing professional currently residing in New Jersey.
In 2020, Amy felt a sense of civic duty when she committed to becoming a poll worker. She knew that some of the poll workers at the time were retirees, and during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she didn’t want vulnerable populations to risk getting sick.
So, she stepped in. “I wanted to show up so they could stay home. Once I began working as a poll worker I felt compelled to continue,” said Jacobus.
Amy hopes that by sharing her experience, more will be inspired to get involved.
What inspired you to sign up as a poll worker?
We were still experiencing high rates of infection and spread from COVID when I signed up as a poll worker. I knew I was in less acute danger than the seniors in our district, so I wanted to show up so they could stay home. Once I began working as a poll worker I felt compelled to continue.
Voting is a right and a privilege, and I feel it’s important to support that right any way I can.
Do you see voting and being a poll worker as an act of generosity?
The great thing about being a poll worker, at least where I’ve been one, is that we actually do get paid for our time training and working the polls each election. While the pay is not why I do it, I do want to make it clear that I am compensated for my time checking in voters, giving instructions on the equipment, etc. Poll working is an act of learning and leadership. There is great care taken by our boards of election workers to ensure fair and accessible elections, and I have benefited from learning about the process and engaging in it.
Whether it’s explaining how early voting helps to minimize congestion on Election Day or why those who request a mail-in ballot should use it to minimize additional admin for their election workers. I’m happy to know how these procedures work locally, and to share with those who have questions, doubts, or concerns.
Would you recommend raising your hand as a poll worker to your peers?
I have recommended becoming a poll worker to several of my peers! It’s a nice way to learn more about our election process, meet other local residents who want to stay engaged in their communities, and get paid for a long day’s work.
Why do you think it’s important for more people to get involved in their community?
It’s always eye-opening to me to see how slow the trickle of voters is in primary or local elections versus general or presidential elections. And my thinking here is that those local races often matter more to your daily life than the national ones. Just as one should care who’s on the ballot for their local courts and offices, one should care about helping out in their neighborhood or town however they can. If poll working isn’t a comfortable fit, volunteer at your local library or join neighborhood beautification or cleanup efforts. Not only will you get to know some of your neighbors, but you’ll gain a greater sense of pride for where you live.
