Here’s how to volunteer at polls in the 2022 general election for the Sacramento area
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Here’s how to volunteer at polls in the 2022 general election for the Sacramento area
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If you’re looking to volunteer at elections offices in the Sacramento area, there are a few opportunities left to do so.
You can apply to be a volunteer for an election through the state, or you can check on your county registrar’s website for an application. For smaller counties, you may find the application on the clerks reporters website.
Polling stations are largely run by volunteers. In Sacramento County, about 1,000 volunteers are hired for every election, said Janna Haynes, a county spokeswoman.
Sacramento County and Yolo County are fully staffed for the upcoming November election, The Bee confirmed. However, you can still fill out an application and be added to the wait-list in both counties.
“It is a huge effort to put on an election, and because it is such a seasonal occurrence our permanent election staff is a very small staff of 40-45 people, which clearly wouldn’t be enough to run the election,” Haynes said. “Which is why we really depend on these seasonal workers to help us put through a very seamless transparent election process.”
You can apply to volunteer in Yolo, Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer counties at the following links:
What are the requirements to volunteer?
Each state in the U.S. has its own polling station volunteer requirements. You can apply to be a volunteer for an election through the state, or you can check on your county registrar’s website for an application. For smaller counties, you may find the application on the clerks reporters website.
The Secretary of State’s website states the following regarding who can volunteer:
- A registered California voter
- A legal resident of the United States who would be eligible to vote except for their citizenship status
- An eligible high school student
What positions are available?
- Vote center inspector
- Vote center clerk
- Ballot transporter
What hours will you be working?
Generally, as a polling volunteer you’ll be expected to set up and close polling stations. This can range roughly from 6 a.m. to around 10 p.m.
Will I get paid?
In some counties, yes.
Counties like Sacramento, Yolo and El Dorodo who are part of the California Voter’s Choice Act, pay their volunteers. For Placer County volunteers do not receive an hourly wage, but a small stipend.
Every county has a different pay scale, but hourly wages can be found on the counties’ websites.
Why should I volunteer?
“It’s really something everyone should get involved in when they have the opportunity,” Haynes said.
Volunteering during an election is a great way to become civically involved in your community, and helps to move the voting process along more seamlessly.
This story was originally published October 9, 2022 at 5:30 AM.