Polling places are looking for election-day workers … including teens

Joseph P. Smith, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
·2 min read

TRENTON — The primary election is just under three months out, and New Jersey Department of State is pushing hard to hire temporary help needed to run polling stations across New Jersey.

Department spokeswoman Alicia D’Alessandro said young people, in particular, are the targets. “In New Jersey, even 16- and 17-year-olds can serve as poll workers,” she said.

“We know that many of our current poll workers have devoted years of service to their communities and some may be ready to pass the baton,” D’Alessandro said Wednesday. “We want to build the bench of the next generation of lifelong poll workers and ensure every county has enough poll workers, regardless of age, to help New Jersey vote.”

It’s a limited gig, but there’s more hours than there used to be. That’s thanks to the advent of in-person, early voting days. There’s two pay levels: $21.43 per hour for early voting work; and a flat $300 on primary election day.

“Poll workers play a vital role in our election process,” Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way said. “Each year, we need our New Jersey citizens to be a part of our great democracy to serve their community and our state by working at a polling location.”

Democrat vs republican poll, democratic decision and primary voting conceptual idea with Vote election campaign button badges and the united states of america flag
Democrat vs republican poll, democratic decision and primary voting conceptual idea with Vote election campaign button badges and the united states of america flag

Acting Director of the Division of Elections Donna Barber said thousands of people are needed. “It’s a great way to earn money while serving your community,” Barber said.

The early voting periods starts Wednesday, May 29 and goes through Sunday, June 2, 2024. The primary election is on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

Applications can be submitted through Pollworker.NJ.Gov.

There are a handful of requirements to be a poll worker:  Be a United States citizen and a resident of New Jersey; be a registered voter in your home county if you are 18 or older, although minimum hiring age is 16; and not be a candidate.

College and high school students are welcome. Anyone under 18 works limited hours per shift and does not have to be registered to vote. Contact your county’s Board of Elections for further information.

Full details on the upcoming primary election are at Vote.NJ.Gov, and local election officials also can help. There is a Voter Information and Assistance Line at 1-877-NJ-Voter (1-877-658-6837).

Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.

Have a tip? Reach out at jsmith@thedailyjournal.com. Support local journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Bring out the young, New Jersey says with poll worker recruiting