INDIANAPOLIS — Poll workers in Indianapolis will be getting a pay bump during this election.
In a press release sent Tuesday, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Election Day poll workers will see a pay increase of $80 during this year's election. Workers will now get $180 a day versus the previous $100 daily amount.
Election Day inspectors will see a $40 per day bump from $200 to $240.
“Free and fair elections are the very cornerstone of our democracy, and they would not be possible without the election workers who dedicate their time to working at vote centers across Marion County,” said Mayor Hogsett. “I am pleased to increase the pay for these important workers and encourage residents to sign up for an Election Day position at pollworker.indy.gov."
The pay increases Hogsett announced come after the City-County Council increased pay for Absentee Voter Board workers. The council also recommended the increase for Election Day workers.
“Thank you, Mayor Hogsett and members of the City-County Council for showing your commitment to the best poll workers in the state," Marion County Clerk Kate Sweeney Bell said in a release. "This will help in our recruitment efforts to continue finding more dedicated Angels of Democracy, as I call our poll workers. Election Day for poll workers consists of long hours and hard work. This acknowledgment will be well-received by our friends and neighbors who serve the voters of Marion County.”
Those who wish to become poll workers in Marion County must meet the following requirements:
- Be registered to vote in Marion County
- Work a full day from set up to tear down
- Have access to transportation
Election Day inspectors must attend a training provided by the Election Board. Election clerks are also strongly encouraged to attend the training because some procedures can change from one election cycle to the next.
Inspectors are also required to work a full day. Half shifts are available for clerks in some areas.
Early voting has already begun in Indianapolis. More early voting locations will open in Marion County on Oct. 26.