It's an extraordinary thing when you think about it. This group of citizens and neighbors band together for a single day (or several, if you include early voting) to make sure every American can exercise one of their most fundamental rights.
Did you know that there is a national shortage of poll workers, and we feel that shortage right here in Colorado County? Election workers are essential to ensuring that elections are a success. Poll workers can be the difference between a smooth election, long lines, or mass confusion.
Elections at heart are a people process. With each election, millions of Americans dedicate themselves to sustaining the backbone of democracy - our election process. In Colorado County, it takes an average of 80 people to execute a proper election and that’s not on a Presidential election year.
Being a poll worker is a critical service to the public. Colorado County is always looking for Election Officials (Judges, Alt.
Judges, Clerks, Bi-lingual Clerks, Student Clerks).
Poll workers play such an important role in our elections, and we want to make sure poll workers reflect the communities in which they serve. What does it take? Commitment, training, and a l-o-n-g election day. Many times, all this is simply wrapped up in volunteering 2-4 days yearly.
In 2024, there is a particularly urgent need for new volunteers to step up to staff the polls so that everyone can vote and with confidence that their vote will be counted accurately. Having a list and a staff of trained alternate workers is crucial for elections. Poll workers are appoint- ed in advance, so finding these hard-working individuals now is imperative.
Spending a day working at the polls could be one of the most impactful things you do next year to help protect democracy.
Student Poll workers – 16-18 years of age are needed. The benefits of younger poll workers are undeniable. They bring enthusiasm, energy and familiarity and comfort with technology like electronic poll books and optical ballot scanners. It sparks an interest in voting and civic engagement at an early age that might last a lifetime. They also are more likely to remain poll workers for future elections. By pairing technologically savvy high school students with longer serv- ing precinct election officials, who have a better understanding of election processes, the county can provide the perfect combination of technological comfort and experience at the polls.
Eligibility:
Must be able to work from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on election day (hours vary)
• Must be able to read and speak English.
• Must be registered to vote in Colorado County
• Must complete training and a criminal background check.
Duties:
Set up machines, poll books and other materials at designated polling district.
• Assist voters with signin and verify signatures.
• If necessary, assist voters in the operation of the electronic voting machine.
• Answer voter's procedural questions.
• When necessary complete paperwork.
• Close polls at the end of the day.
For more information please call the Colorado County Elec- tions office at (979) 732-6860, your political party chair, or visit http://www.co.colorado.tx.us/ page/colorado.Elections and review the “Get Involved” section.
