Sheridan County seeks volunteers to staff polling locations

The Sheridan County Elections Office is seeking volunteers for the 2020 election season. Sheridan County will have 14 polling locations and amid COVID-19 concerns, are having a difficult time finding volunteers. 

The Elections Office is seeking approximately 140 volunteers to serve as election judges and head judges, according to Sheridan County clerk and recorder Eda Schunk Thompson. 

Election judges are needed for Election Day, August 18th. Election judge volunteers will also undergo an election judge training the week of July 27- July 31. Volunteers will earn $25 for each attended training. 

Volunteers will be paid for their time, with head judges being paid $250 for the day and regular judges earning $200 for the day.  

County Employees will only be used as a last resort in the event not enough volunteers come forward.

To volunteer, residents …

Must be willing to work from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. or later if needed; on average a 14 hour day

Some may be appointed as election judges at a polling location anywhere in the county

Cannot be candidate on the ballot and cannot have a family member on the ballot

Must be a registered voter

Must be able to attend election judge training/school the week of July 27 – July 31

Training  will be offered in the mornings, afternoons, or evening on certain days that week, classes will last approximately 2 – 3 hours.

$25 paid per each attendance at a training

Head judges are paid $250 for the day

Regular judges are paid $200 for the day

Paid mileage if applicable

Bring their own food and drink

Some may be placed on the substitute list

Election Cleaning Staff are also needed for Election Day, Thompson said. Cleaning staff must be willing to clean and disinfect the polling place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., earning $15 an hour. Cleaning supplies will be provided. If interested, email elections@sheridancounty.com.

Volunteers must also comply with all current Secretary of State Directives and personal protective equipment requirements as directed by the Secretary of State. 

Volunteers will have the choice to wear a mask or gloves if behind Plexiglas and using hand sanitizer. All PPE will be provided by the Secretary of State and the Cares Act.
To find out more and find a link to apply visit https://www.sheridancounty.com/depts/elections-office/.