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Rokita encourages state workers to staff election polls
Local government provides extra incentive

(Indianapolis) – With less than two months remaining until the November election, Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita hopes to see large numbers of state employees spending their paid holiday working at their local polling places. Rokita recently sent 27,000 state employees an e-mail request on behalf of local election officials.

“It takes over 30,000 people to help run the 5,500 precincts throughout the state so the more people we have assisting, the more efficient the experience will be for everyone involved,” Rokita said.

While state government employees can use the paid holiday to help the election process, local governments offer financial incentives to all poll workers. Participants can earn a minimum of $70, depending on the county in which they work.

“It’s a win-win situation for anyone who participates because they have the opportunity to play an active role in the freedoms of democracy while earning a little extra spending money,” Rokita said.

Some of the responsibilities in which workers will provide support include setting up polling places, checking voters’ names on the polling list, assisting with the voting process if needed, as well as cleaning up and processing ballots.

To participate, workers must meet two eligibility requirements—they must be registered voters of the county in which they plan to work and they must be over 18.

New this year is a chance for workers to raise funds for a favorite charitable cause. The “Donate for Democracy” program encourages poll workers to donate their county-issued stipends to the charity or organization of their choice. The contribution may be claimed as a tax deduction.

“We know that many worthwhile organizations struggle financially so it’s wonderful to see so many people signing up to participate in the democratic process while at the same time raising funds for their favorite not for profit group,” Rokita said. Additional information can be obtained by calling 317-232-6541, the Hoosier Voter Hotline at 866-IN-1-VOTE, or by visiting donatefordemocracy.in.gov.

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