The BOE is seeking around 2,800 registered voters to serve as Precinct Election Officials (PEOs) in order to fully staff polling places across Hamilton County. While the minimum number of staff needed is 2,100 PEOs, BOE Director Sherry Poland emphasized the importance of setting a higher goal due to the anticipated high voter turnout.
On Election Day, PEOs will perform duties including issuing ballots to registered voters, providing instructions on how to mark ballots and monitoring voting equipment.
To ensure fairness, all precincts will be staffed by a bipartisan team of poll workers. The BOE has a particular need for Republican and unaffiliated voters to apply, as most of the positions for Democrats are filled.
The role of PEO is a paid opportunity, with compensation for poll workers increasing to $225 this election. There are also special incentives for certain groups: attorneys can earn free Continuing Legal Education credits and compensation for their time, while participating nonprofits can recruit volunteers who pledge to donate their poll worker pay to the organization.
The BOE also has the "Youth at the Booth" initiative, which encourages local high school students aged 17 or 18 to become poll workers and get first-hand experience with the democratic process.
To become a PEO, applicants must apply, attend an appointment with the BOE and take a provided training class.
To be eligible to serve as a PEO, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a registered and active voter in Hamilton County
- Be a United States citizen
- Be comfortable using electronic technology
- Be able to read, write and speak fluently in the English language
- NOT be a candidate for any office to be voted on at the polling place at that election
- NOT be a convicted felon
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Poll Worker, visit the BOE website.
