Power the Polls is a first-of-its-kind, nonpartisan initiative for recruiting poll workers to ensure a safe and fair election for all.
There are over 5,000 local election jurisdictions in the country – and becoming a poll worker is a little different in each place.
Power the Polls was launched in June 2020 by a coalition of businesses and nonprofits seeking to recruit a new wave of poll workers ahead of the 2020 election. America was in the midst of a nationwide poll worker shortage, and the consequences had already been felt in primary elections with reduced polling locations, long lines, and voters waiting to cast their ballot for several hours. In the era of uncertainty caused by the coronavirus, fewer poll workers were signing up for the job.
Power the Polls had an original goal of recruiting 250,000 new prospective poll workers. In less than 100 days, Power the Polls harnessed the energy of individuals interested in ensuring a fair and safe election, recruiting over 700,000 prospective poll workers across the United States. Consequently, the shortages we saw during the 2020 primaries were limited in the general election: little to no poll worker shortages were reported during states’ early voting period and on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
They are already seeing the need for large scale poll worker recruitment in 2022. Poll worker shortages have already affected voters this year, as polling places in some states across the country have closed due to shortages during primary elections.
When polling places close, it becomes more difficult for voters to access the ballot box. That’s why Power the Polls is continuing its work to recruit a new generation of poll workers who can ensure safe and fair access to the ballot box in 2022 and in elections to come.
Providing Accurate Poll Worker Information
Power the Polls relies on objective data about poll worker requirements and applications collected from over 5,000 jurisdictions assembled by the non-partisan Fair Elections Center. Information is available on poll worker compensation, hours, application links, and training and voter registration requirements.
Become an election poll worker by visiting: https://powerthepolls.org/newsinmotion
Jane Slusser is the Program Manager of Power the Polls. Jane oversees all operations of the initiative, from building relationships with election officials in states across the U.S., to developing strategies to recruit new poll workers and fill shortages in key regions, to engaging partners across industries.
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