The Hamilton County Board of Elections is seeking registered voters to serve as precinct election officials for the May 5 primary election.
“If you are a registered voter of any age, or a high school student age 17 or older who is interested in becoming a poll worker for the May 5 primary election, visit our website and apply today,” Director Sherry Poland said.
Precinct election officials earn $225 to $275 for training, setup and working the polls on Election Day, according to Deputy Director Raquel Burgos.
“Serve your community and make a difference by signing up to be a poll worker in the May 5 election,” Burgos said.
The state of Ohio has had a shortage of election workers in recent years, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. In Ohio, county boards of elections are tasked with appointing at least four precinct election officials to each precinct. Precinct election officials in Ohio run polling locations during elections. They set up equipment, check in voters, issue ballots, assist voters as needed, and enforce election rules. After polls close, they secure voting machines, reconcile ballots and return materials to the county board of elections.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a registered, active voter in Hamilton County
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be comfortable using electronic technology
- Be able to read, write and speak English fluently
- Not be a candidate for any office on the ballot at that polling place
- Not have a felony conviction.
For the countywide election, precinct election officials are especially needed in the following areas:
Republicans or nonaffiliated voters:
- Springfield Township
- Anderson Township
- Cincinnati
- Loveland
- Symmes Township.
Democrats or nonaffiliated voters:
- Harrison Township
- Delhi Township
- Loveland
- Symmes Township
- Anderson Township.