Work The Polls!
With an increasing unemployment rate, no increase in social security, the cost of living increasing, and the holidays fast approaching working the polls can provide anyone with a little extra money to make ends meet. The amount of money paid for working the polls depends on your area. For example, I live in a small town in West Virginia and make a little less than $200.00 --which means if you live in a bigger city the amount will probably be more! If working the polls is something you may be interested in, here's how you do it!
How it Works
The process is very simple:
1. You need to be registered to vote.
2.. You can only work the polls in the county or parish that you are registered in.
3. Register at your local county clerks office to work (some counties allow you to register online.)
4. Attend any training that is necessary. If you don't attend the training you won't be able to work the election. You'll be sent letters explaining where to go and the times available for the training.
5. Once you've completed the training you'll receive notification of what poll you'll be working (or you could be notified before training). Most counties have different precincts in which you'll be assigned. Make sure you know where you're going -- if not check it out before election day, so that you'll be prepared (and not looking for the location at 5 a.m.)
6. When you arrive at the polling location you cannot leave. You'll work whatever job is assigned to you. Some take food and drinks to get them through the day, others order out-- which is fine (may be different in your county). The hours for working the polls are typically from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Once your day is over you could possibly need to take supplies back to your county court house. After that, you're finished and made some easy cash!
Once you've worked you'll be on file in the county clerks office. You may have to sit through boring training classes (which go over the same material every time) but again, you'll get paid!
And While You're Working.....
Keep in mind that you're going to be working the polls with other people from different backgrounds and careers. Primary elections can be slow, and that's a great time to get to know your fellow poll workers. It's a great way to make an impression on others which may help you find a meaningful full time job. Working the polls does not require that you vote. It doesn't require that you know anything about who is running. In fact, you will not discuss anything about the candidates at all. There are special elections, primary elections, and general elections! So get involved and make some extra cash!
