Poll workers help to sustain our democracy

Opinion

April 19, 2012

Poll workers help to sustain our democracy

Anonymous The Goshen News Thu Apr 19, 2012, 08:00 AM EDT

Want to be a part of history? Want to help your country and its voters maintain the rights outlined in the Constitution? Then sign up to be a poll worker for the coming primary election.

On May 8, Republicans will square off in county council, county commissioner and Statehouse races. There will also be contested races by both parties in the 2nd District U.S. House of Representatives primary and the 3rd District U.S. House of Representatives Democratic race. Republican Marlin Stutzman, the incumbent, is not opposed.

Elkhart County Republican election supervisor Shirley Snyder issued a call for help last week. The county has more than 100 precincts and some of those are in need of poll workers. Election officials said it is always a tough job luring enough people to work at the polls during elections, but this year has been especially difficult.

There are several categories of poll workers needed. Inspectors pick up the voting equipment and take it to their specific precinct then return it after polls close. They are also responsible for resolving problems that come up during the voting process. Poll judges assist the inspectors and check voters IDs and verify voters are registered. There are also election clerks, who make sure voters sign election logs and help voters with their ballots when requested.

Each of these positions have stipends. Inspectors are paid $110; judges $70 or $65 depending on the party; and clerks will make $65. The county also throws in $10 for food and $10 for training. While the fees are not exorbitant, they do help offset the expense of taking a day off work or using a day of vacation to help out.

All these election positions are very important to our community and we appreciate every poll worker who takes a day out of their normal routine to make sure our representative republic continues to work as outlined in our nation’s Constitution.

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Poll workers help to sustain our democracy

The U.S. Census Bureau reported last week that Goshen’s population increased to 32,064 in 2012. It’s the first time the city has eclipsed 32,000 residents. Do you think population growth is good for the city?

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