San Francisco Sun

SAN FRANCISCO, Thursday, August 1, 2024 – Today marks National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, an initiative established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission in 2020 to promote civic engagement and encourage individuals to volunteer as poll workers.

“Poll workers are essential to our voting process, playing a pivotal role in administering in-person voting on Election Day,” said Director John Arntz. “While many voters prefer voting by mail, thousands of San Franciscans still rely on in-person voting. Ensuring that we have enough poll workers available on Election Day is crucial for providing voters with the assistance they need and ensuring the integrity and security of the election. Today, on behalf of all our local voters, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all former, current, and future poll workers!”

For each Election Day, the Department of Elections recruits approximately 2,000 poll workers to assist local voters at around 500 neighborhood polling places. Both returning poll workers and new recruits receive comprehensive training and materials to ensure they are well-prepared to assist voters properly. Poll workers receive a stipend of up to $295 depending on their specific assignments and a collectible election-specific pin in recognition of their service.

To become a poll worker in San Francisco, one must be either a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and at least 18 years old or a high school student in good standing who is at least 16 years old with parental permission.

Those interested can sign up at outreach events attended by the Department’s outreach team or online at sfelections.gov/pwa. Alternatively, they can visit the Department’s office in City Hall, Room 48 or call (415) 554-4395. For more information, visit sfelections.org/pw or contact the Department of Elections at (415) 554-4375 or SFVote@sfgov.org.

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