Looking for a job? Miami-Dade is hiring poll workers for the November election
Interested in making some money, while supporting democracy?
Being a poll worker on Election Day may be the job for you.
The Miami-Dade County Elections Department is still looking for poll workers for the Nov. 3 election.
“Being a poll worker lets you make a difference by serving your community,” said Roberto Rodriguez, assistant deputy supervisor of elections.
Both Broward and Monroe counties say they are full for the Nov. 3 election, but people can apply for future elections.
Here is what you need to know to apply in Miami-Dade
▪ What is the deadline to apply to be a poll worker for the general election? Miami-Dade has rolling deadlines with training for the Nov. 3 general election ending in mid-October. The deadline to apply for that training is Oct. 5.
▪ How do I apply? There are two options, one online and the other over the phone. Fill out the online poll worker application online and allow three to five business days for it to process. You can also call 305-499-8448 to complete an application by phone.
▪ How many poll worker openings are there? There will be around 5,500 poll workers.
▪ How is the elections office ensuring poll worker safety during the pandemic? The department said it is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations including providing all poll workers with face shields, masks and disposable gloves.
▪ How does training work during the pandemic? For new poll workers, the department said it is “following all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Florida Department of Health safety guidelines for in-person training.” Those who already served as poll workers this year will be able to do online training.
▪ How am I paid? Poll workers are paid by stipends based on their position. For example, a clerk would be paid $40 for training, $45.91 for pre-election set-up, $22.50 for post-election work (if applicable) and $160.68 for Election Day. A poll deputy would make $40 for training, $30.02 for pre-election set-up and $105.06 for Election Day. To view pay amounts visit the election’s office Poll Worker Payment Schedule online.
▪ If someone was a poll worker during the primary, do they need to reapply to work the general election? No. They just would have to complete a training before the election.
▪ Are there work opportunities for people who want to volunteer their time but don’t want to be exposed to a lot of people? No. All poll worker positions involve being around people, so if you are concerned about potential COVID-19 exposure, then you may not want to apply.
▪ Is the elections office looking for more workers this year due to the pandemic? Rodriguez said they didn’t see a huge decrease in poll workers. “The Miami-Dade County Elections Department is always actively recruiting new poll workers,” he said. “There has been an increase when compared to the 2018 Gubernatorial Election and on par with the 2016 Presidential Election.”
▪ How many hours would I work on Election Day? Poll workers have to be at their assigned polling place by 5:30 a.m. on Election Day. Polls are then open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A poll worker is expected to remain at their assigned polling place all day.
This story was originally published October 2, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
