FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1 August 2024
Contact:
Alex Curtas, Director of Communications
New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office
505-469-2783
alex.curtas@sos.nm.gov
New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office Celebrates National Poll Worker Recruitment Day on August 1st
Established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission in 2020, the national day of action aims to raise awareness about the importance of poll working and inspire more Americans to participate.
SANTA FE – As the 2024 General Election approaches, New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver is urging New Mexicans to participate in one of the most critical roles in our democracy by becoming a poll worker in 2024.
“Poll workers are on the frontlines of our democracy and are essential to our voting process, playing a pivotal role in the success of our elections,” said Secretary Toulouse Oliver. “My Office is excited to recognize and participate in National Poll Worker Recruitment Day to help inspire civic engagement by encouraging people to sign up to serve their community. There’s no better way to learn about the voting process and I urge New Mexicans to consider working the polls in their county for the General Election this November.”
Launched in 2020 by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission in collaboration with election offices across the nation, this initiative seeks to address the national poll worker shortage, promote civic participation and volunteerism, and ensure the integrity and security of the elections in 2024 and beyond.
Poll worker responsibilities typically include activities such as setting up polling places, greeting voters, verifying voter registrations, and issuing ballots. Poll workers also assist voters in understanding the voting process by demonstrating the use of voting equipment and explaining voting procedures. Local election authorities oversee
election staff and poll workers, including providing training before Election Day.
County Clerks’ offices across New Mexico need poll workers to serve in a variety of roles on or before the General Election on November 5, 2024.
To assist the counties in their search for poll workers, the Secretary of State’s Office is collecting contact information from anyone interested in working the polls in the 2024 General Election. Use this Google Form to share on social media, with your friends and family, or through community networks to spread the word about working the polls.
To become a poll worker in New Mexico you must:
- Be registered to vote in your county (Not registered? It only takes a few minutes at NMVOTE.ORG)
- Attend a training
- Take an oath of office
- Not be a candidate, law enforcement officer, or close relative of a candidate on the ballot in 2024 (spouse, parent, child, sibling, or in-law)
- Have basic computer skills, a mobile phone, and an email address
NOTE: 16 and 17 year olds can be poll workers (§1-2-7(D) NMSA 1978). This is a great way for young people to learn about and get involved with voting.
Compensation for Election Day poll workers in New Mexico is set by state law (§1-2-16 NMSA 1978). Workers are compensated at no less than the federal hourly minimum wage and not to exceed $400 for the day. County Clerks set the wage for workers who assist during the Early Voting period.
Anyone interested in working the polls for the General Election can either contact their County Clerk directly (find contact information for all 33 New Mexico County Clerks here) or fill out the Secretary of State’s Google Form.
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