Big election year needs 800 election officials

By Judy Miller
Judy Miller is director of the Clermont County Board of Elections

Short quiz:

1. 1. How many precinct election officials does Clermont County need to man the polls at each primary and general election?
   
   a. 35
   b. 435
   c. 800
   d. 2,000
   
2. How much do election officials get paid for working at an election?
   
   a. $50
   b. $130
   c. Minimum wage.
   d. Nothing. It’s a volunteer job.

It’s the beginning of the 2012 Presidential Election Year, and we at the Board of Elections are looking for civic-minded citizens who want to serve their community. (The answers are 1 (c.) 800 officials and 2 (b.) $130.)

Clermont County needs 800 Precinct Election Officials, 400 Democrats and 400 Republicans. The precinct officials manage the election process at the polls on election day and watch to keep the voting honest and help voters understand the process.

We are inviting voters to take an active part in the election process by becoming Precinct Election Officials. With people’s busy lives it makes it more difficult to find persons willing and able to fill these positions.

As director of the Clermont County Board of Elections, it’s my job to make sure that we conduct fair, honest and transparent elections. We have an excellent office staff, with equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats, but we need your help with the big job on Election Day. One way we protect the democratic process is by recruiting and training Precinct Election Officials to manage the polls on Election Day.

Many people do not want to get involved in “politics,” but this is a way to do your civic duty without getting involved in the “politics .” 

Let me give you four reasons to sign up to be a Precinct Election Official:

1. It takes only a small amount of your time and gives you an opportunity to play a vital role in your government.
2. You can provide a necessary service for your community while having fun at the same time.
3. It is an opportunity to meet new people in your community.
4. You get paid $130.

You may know someone who has been a poll worker before. If so, chances are they will tell you it’s fun and easy. And, if you have been an election official yourself, now is a good time to invite a friend or co-worker.

What are the qualifications, and how do you sign up?

You must be at least 18 years old, registered to vote in Clermont County and free of any felony convictions — and you should enjoy working with other people.

All you have to do is call the Clermont County Board of Elections at 732-7275 or e mail us at Elections@ClermontCountyOhio.Gov. We’ll schedule you for one of our February training classes at the Eastgate Holiday Inn, and you will be able to work at the Primary Election on Tuesday, March 6. 

We hope to hear from you within the next few days so we can get you signed up.