LA County Faces Poll Worker Shortage Ahead Of Primary Vote
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — About 1,000 Los Angeles County poll workers are still needed for next week's primary election, officials said Tuesday.
Efrain Escobedo with the County's registrar of voters told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO the majority of the need for more volunteers are at polling stations in Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Pacific Palisades, Sierra Madre and Pasadena, as well as at stations in several local beach cities.
In an effort to draw more volunteers, election officials are using robocalls and emails to registered voters in neighborhoods where the need is greatest, according to the Daily News.
"We're putting the call out again and trying to remind folks that it's extremely important that you do your part for democracy and volunteer for Election Day," Escobedo said.
In order to be eligible to serve as a poll worker, volunteers must be a resident of Los Angeles County, a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, 18 years of age or older, and a registered voter in the state of California.
Pollsters must also be available June 3 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. to set up the polls, provide assistance to voters, and conduct poll closing procedures.
While the hours are long, officials say there is a stipend of between $105 and $175 available for each poll worker depending on one's level of training and duties performed, according to election officials.
"It's a local process and it takes residents from the local community to make democracy happen," said Escobedo.
Under Assembly Bill 817 that went into effect in January, permanent legal residents are now allowed to serve as poll workers, according to the Daily News.
To apply to be a poll worker, go to lavote.net or call 1-800-815-2666 and press Option 7.