As the November Presidential General Election fast approaches, there's an urgent call for poll workers to join the ranks and ensure the voting process runs smoothly in the county. According to the County of San Diego, the Registrar of Voters seeks to bolster its staff with individuals capable of providing customer service and assisting a diverse population of voters. This election season introduces a push for inclusivity with a particular need for bilingual poll workers fluent in English coupled with Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, or Laotian.
The demand for multilingual poll workers stems from a federal mandate that necessitates the provision of bilingual speakers and voting materials in specific languages, including Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Chinese. Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Somalian, and Persian (Farsi and Dari) are also required at selected vote centers across the county to fulfill State and County requirements. Poll workers will earn a stipend for their service, with bilingual staff receiving a bonus. The Registrar's Office also emphasizes recruiting those who possess such language skills.
Election duties have evolved with the current Voter’s Choice Act, as the traditional single-day polling places have been transformed into vote centers operating over an extended period. This adaptation means poll workers are now integral for up to 11 days before Election Day. Regarding compensation, a daily stipend of $145 is offered leading up to the election, while Election Day work warrants $240 due to the extended hours, according to the County of San Diego.
To qualify for this role, applicants must meet certain criteria: 18 or older, a U.S. citizen registered to vote in California, or lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States. Moreover, applicants are responsible for their transportation to their assigned voting center. They're expected to exhibit strong leadership, embrace teamwork, and uphold the highest customer service and integrity standards.
Interested participants should visit sdvote.com to access application forms and contact the community for additional information by calling (858) 565-5800 or emailing [email protected].
