TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections is looking to recruit standby poll workers who will be prepared to work on Election Day, if needed.
"2020 is an election year like no other. We expect high overall turnout, and at the same time, must prepare for the fact that some of our poll workers may not be available to help with in-person voting due to the pandemic," said Craig Latimer, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections.
Latimer said he plans to have hundreds of trained poll workers on standby.
The University Area Community Center is an in-person voting location. Sarah Combs manages the facility for the UACDC and said it's absolutely critical to have poll workers ready to go.
"In the University Area Community, it was so vitally important to make sure the center was open for early voting because we want to emphasize the importance of voting right now," Combs said. "And making it easier by having a local community center available to residents."
Those who want to become poll workers must complete an online training that provides background on the election and walks you through the tasks required to help voters vote on Election Day.
It should take no longer than five hours to complete, according to Hillsborough County.
"Since it’s entirely online, you can do the training on your own time, at your own pace," Latimer said.
If Hillsborough County needs to call in standbys, the poll worker services department will contact you to work as an “inspector.”
If selected, you’ll be assigned to work in a polling place alongside experienced poll workers, and you’ll have plenty of resources to guide you, according to Hillsborough County.
In addition, Latimer said you can expect a safe, healthy working environment that meets CDC guidelines for polling places.
All poll workers must pass a temperature check, wear a mask and follow procedures to minimize contact and maximize social distancing throughout the day.
By law, Hillsborough County pays all poll workers for the work they do. Inspectors who work on Election Day will earn $260.
For those who may be able to commit more time to assist with elections, early voting poll workers work every other day from Aug. 3 - Aug. 16 and from Oct. 19 - Nov. 1.
Click here for more information or to apply.
