Making money off of the elections
Most people assume that the only way to make money from an election is to bet on the outcome or sell their vote. In reality, you can make a day’s wages by offering to work as an election judge in your precinct. Depending on your state, your local election board will pay anywhere between $30 and $150 — this is one of those variable expenses that makes the actual cost of an election so hard to determine, by the way — for an election judge. This isn’t just a once every four years sort of thing, by the way. Primaries count, too, and some states pay for election judges for state and municipal elections, as well.
There’s a certain sort of person who typically signs up for this job, by the way: retirees. Almost no election judges are under 55. It’s not an issue of an age requirement — instead, it’s the fact that a judge has to be available all day on a Tuesday, which is a work day for most younger people.
Why am I mentioning election judging today? Well, most states are perpetually short of judges, and will be needing them quite soon, especially with the early primaries starting so soon. If you have any interest in getting involved in the political process yourself, go on and sign up with your local election board.
I didn’t know they actually paid for that, I thought it was all volunteer work.
I always wondered why the people running the polls were older. And I also wondered if they were volunteers. You learn something new everyday.
Finding reliable poll workers can be hard, so if it’s something that people want to do, they can sign up with their Clerk (city, town, county) to work elections, and if things go well, one can get a regular gig. I adore the women who work our precint, they’re always nice, friendly and once you get to them after standing in line, make standing in line worth it.
My parents are election judges in Pennsylvania. My mom complains about the hours, but enjoys the money. They also get paid for several hours of training each year.
The county clerks in Randall and Potter Counties in Texas are always on the lookout for new judges. I pass the information along to my students. Unless there is an exam looming, I would not have a problem with a student missing my Tuesday class to work as an election judge.
I, too, never realized they were paid to be there. Since they’re almost always older, like you said, I assumed they volunteered since they had the time to spare.
This is a great idea for people out of work & wanting to help.
Well, now this makes me curious about how it’s done in Canada…
Interesting post. Thanks! :)