Three orientation sessions offered this month
The Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office is inviting registered voters who are able to read and speak Spanish and English fluently to become part of its Election Day team.
“It is important to have bilingual poll workers to meet the needs of all voters in the county,” Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent says in a news release. “If you are bilingual and registered to vote in Sarasota County, this is an excellent opportunity to serve your community and help maintain the integrity of the election process,” she adds in the release.
Bilingual individuals are being recruited to work as inspectors and deputies at designated precincts for the Aug. 30 primary and the Nov. 8 general election and during the early voting period prior to each election, the news release continues.
Inspectors check in and issue ballots to eligible voters, monitor the voting equipment and explain how to use it, and offer any other assistance needed, the release explains. An inspector earns $150 per election and $10 per hour during early voting, the release adds.
Deputies maintain order outside their assigned polling places, the release says. A deputy earns $150 per election and $10 per hour during early voting, it notes.
Before each election, all election workers must complete a minimum of two to three hours of training, depending on position, the release points out. Poll workers must report to their assigned polling places by 6 a.m. on election day and help to prepare the sites for voting, which begins at 7 a.m., the release adds. Workers also must help close the polling locations after the polls close at 7 p.m. and after all voters have voted.
Anyone who is bilingual and interested in learning more about working at the polls for the 2016 primary and general elections may attend one of the following orientation sessions (no appointment necessary):
- Friday, April 15, 11 a.m., at Jacaranda Library in Venice.
- Monday, April 18, 11 a.m., at Selby Library in downtown Sarasota.
- Tuesday, April 19, 11 a.m., at Gulf Gate Library in Sarasota.
For more information, email Pollworker@SarasotaVotes.com or visit the website at www.SarasotaVotes.com.