ISO: Poll workers needed in Northampton and Lehigh counties
Northampton and Lehigh counties are seeking poll workers for the April 23 primary election and Nov. 5 general election.
Among their duties, poll workers help check voters in at polling places.
Northampton relies on the help of 780 poll workers at its 123 polling locations. Lehigh County uses about 1,000 poll workers, but needs about 1,300 during presidential election years. It has 161 polling places.
Both counties said they have nearly enough recruits but still need more.
“We will talk to anyone who has interest,” said Timothy Benyo, chief clerk of registrations and elections in Lehigh. “I’ll find other jobs for them if there isn’t a position open at their polling location.”
According to the state, poll workers must be 18 or older and be registered to vote in the county where they want to help. Poll workers generally work from the time polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Students who are at least 17 years old are also permitted to help in some capacities.
Lehigh has been tapping bilingual students who speak Spanish to act as interpreters. Under federal law, Philadelphia, Berks and Lehigh counties must provide interpreters due to a concentration of Spanish speakers living there.
While not required to provide do so, Northampton is seeking high school students to serve as interpreters at polls. Students must have permission from their principals and parents or guardians to serve.
All poll workers, including students, receive training from their county election offices and are paid for their services.
Northampton County poll workers earn between $175 and $200, depending on their assignment and training.
In Lehigh County, election judges receive $250 plus mileage. Other volunteers earn $195, a number that includes training pay.
In Northampton County, registered voters interested in becoming poll workers can email the Northampton County Elections Office at elections@norcopa.gov or call 610-829-6260.
In Lehigh County, interested volunteers should log onto the voter registration office website or call 610-782-3194.