Earn Money Staffing Polling Places

Charleston County is asking local groups to staff polling places and get paid through its Adopt a Polling Location program this election cycle. (charlestoncounty.org) The program is run by the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, which lets nonpartisan organizations “adopt” a polling location by supplying workers for Election Day. Instead of paying each worker separately, the county sends one check to the organization. (charlestoncounty.org) To qualify, a group must be nonpartisan and provide at least six poll workers, with at least one serving as an assistant clerk. The group also has to name a coordinator and submit its worker list 30 days before the election. (charlestoncounty.org) Charleston County says individual poll workers can earn at least $250 per election, and Adopt a Polling Location payments are based on the number of workers and each position’s pay rate. All workers must complete training before each election and be prepared to work from 6 a.m. until about 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. (charlestoncounty.org 1) (charlestoncounty.org 2) The county pitches the program as a way to fund charities, school groups and other civic organizations while filling hard-to-staff election jobs. The guide says the money can be used for “efforts that improve our community.” (charlestoncounty.org) Charleston County says it launched Adopt a Polling Location in 2022 and was the first county in South Carolina to offer it. The county says the broader Partnerships at the Polls effort later won a National Clearinghouse Award from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. (charlestoncounty.org) The county says nine organizations have participated so far and have raised well over $10,000 through the program. An after-action survey found that all 2022 participants said they enjoyed the experience. (charlestoncounty.org) Charleston County is taking applications through its online Adopt a Polling Location form, while individual workers can also apply through the county’s election worker portal. Questions go to Vote@charlestoncounty.org, according to the county guide. (charlestoncounty.org 1) (charlestoncounty.org 2)