Anecdotal evidence suggests that poll workers are disproportionately elderly, female and unfamiliar with technology. This paper investigates the relationship between poll worker demographics and satisfaction on Election Day. During the 2006 California Primary Election, 15,000 poll workers were surveyed. The data shows that quality of training and availability of reference materials are more important than age or background in determining poll worker satisfaction.
Additional Details
Based on survey results, the authors recommend:
- A multifaceted approach to poll worker recruitment, including: appealing to duty and service, advertising the social benefits, and increasing flexibility and benefits for students
- Offering split shifts whenever possible
- Requiring training and subsequent testing for all poll workers before Election Day
Links
Glaser, B. E., Mac Donald, K., Hui I., & Cain, B. E. (2007). The Front Lines of Democracy: Who Staffs Polling Places and Does it Matter? (EARC Working Paper 0704). Retrieved January 7, 2013 from http://csed.byu.edu/Poll%20Worker%20Survey%20Bank/Glaser%20et%20al_2007_Front%20Lines%20of%20Democracy.pdf.