Why We Need to Recruit More Election Inspectors
As we know every election is important – – without people working the polls, citizens would not be able to exercise their right to vote. That’s where election inspectors come in. We currently have an Election Inspector shortage and need volunteers.
Wilton has 23 election districts with over 13,000 registered voters – – 20 polling stations are located at Gavin Park and 3 at the Wilton Senior Center (View Election District Map, Town of Wilton). We currently have a shortage of election inspectors and must recruit from other neighboring towns/cities to help fill vacancies. Each polling station needs two Democrats and two Republican election inspectors.
Our state legislature has recently passed provisions for early voting. In order for this to work smoothly, we need people to volunteer!
The pool of election inspectors must be increased so that
1) our election inspectors are not called upon for EVERY election and for every day of early voting
2) so that shifts can be implemented, thus reducing the time inspectors need to be there for the general election.
This is where YOU come in!
Election Inspector Duties
All interested parties must take training class(es) and become certified by BOE to become an election inspector.
Election inspector duties include:
- Verifying Voter Qualifications
- Explaining various ballot & voting procedures
- Setting up & closing down voting machines
- Maintaining order in the polling place
- Arriving 30 min prior to start of polling & staying until all bags are collected at end of the night
Election Inspector Compensation
The Saratoga County Board of Elections provides compensation to election inspectors as follows for full day shifts:
- Primaries: 6AM – 9PM ($260)*
- General Elections: 6AM – 9PM ($260)*
- Early Voting: Hours TBD ($150/day)*
- Training classes: $25*
*Note that compensation amounts are subject to change at the discretion of the Saratoga County Board of Elections
Any registered voter within Saratoga County can become an election inspector for the Wilton area. If you or anyone you know would like to serve as an election inspector or have questions about being an election inspector, please contact our Election Coordinator – – Democracy needs you! Thank you!