With less than 100 days until the November 5th general election, local election officials say they’re in need of more Election Day board workers.
During each election, Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen says they rely on over 1,100 board workers to staff 198 precincts in Lancaster County. Wiltgen is issuing this call for more workers on National Poll Worker Recruitment Day.
Workers must be registered voters and able to work on Election Day from 7:00 AM until shortly after the polls close at 8:00 PM. Physical requirements include good eyesight, good hearing, and the ability to sit for an extended period.
“Without our poll workers, we would not have the safe, accurate, and secure elections that we are so proud of,” said Commissioner Wiltgen.
Additionally, Wiltgen encourages workers from every political party in order to maintain bipartisan election boards required by law.
Election board workers enjoy the same civil leave protections as those who serve on jury duty. “Employers must allow an employee the time off to serve as an election board worker without threat of or loss of personal or holiday pay, sick leave, overtime pay, or any other form of penalty for absence when serving as an election board worker,” Wiltgen explained.
Individuals can submit a board worker application on the Commission’s website at lancaster.ne.gov/election. Individuals who have questions about serving as an election board worker can contact the Election Commissioner’s Office at (402) 441-7311.
Election Board training will now be available online prior to each election. Board workers will be paid for the thirteen-plus hours they work on Election Day plus a stipend for participating in online training.