Do More Than Vote…Help at the Polls
If you have wondered what you can do to help this election in addition to voting, we have an idea for you. What about volunteering at a polling location?
According the Massachusetts voter information guide…One of the best ways that you can help make sure Massachusetts holds successful elections this year is by offering your time to be a poll worker. Poll workers are needed across the Commonwealth on November 3, and many communities will also need workers to assist with early voting.
Poll workers are hired by local election officials to help check-in voters, distribute ballots, tally votes, and assist voters in the polling place.
This year, poll workers will also be needed to help sanitize booths and pens, direct voters, and monitor social distancing in the polling places. Having enough poll workers for every precinct is the best way to keep lines short and reduce crowding in polling places. Generally, poll workers must be registered voters of the Commonwealth, though up to 2 poll workers per precinct may be 16 or 17 years old. This year, if a city or town cannot find enough poll workers, they have the option of hiring workers regardless of their registration status or political party affiliation.
If you are able to offer your time to be a poll worker, please visit the Elections Division’s website, www.sec.state.ma.us/ele, where you can find a listing of cities and towns in need of election workers. You do not need to be a resident of a city or town in order to be a poll worker there.