Manchester holds training for primary poll workers
If you’re interested in working or volunteering at the polls for the Jan. 23 presidential primary election, there’s still time to register for the final training session on Jan. 6. JoAnn Ferruolo, Assistant City Clerk for the City of Manchester, provided information on the various roles, training details and the impact you can make.
What are the main roles and tasks for workers or volunteers at the polling stations on primary day?
The City of Manchester is currently looking to fill three positions in most of our 12 polling places for the Jan. 23, 2024, presidential primary election. All positions require an in-person training session prior to the election to be eligible to work.
The Deputy Registrar is responsible for registering voters at the polling place; there are several forms to be completed by the voter and deputy registrar. This position can be filled by a registered voter in New Hampshire. The hours are 5:30 a.m. to approximately 8:30 p.m., and pay is $180 for the day.
The Ballot Inspector performs multiple duties as assigned by the moderator, including, but not limited to, checking in voters on a poll pad, handing out ballots to voters, marking the official paper checklist, assisting voters and greeting voters. They must live in the ward that they work in. … The hours are 5 a.m. to approximately 9:30 p.m., and pay is $180 for the day.
Both positions require reading small print in variable lighting conditions and having legible penmanship and attention to detail.
A volunteer performs duties assigned by the moderator, which include, but are not limited to, greeting voters, counting cast and uncast votes, hand-counting votes, and [tallying] write-in votes after the polls close. A volunteer position can be filled by a registered voter in New Hampshire.
The hours are 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and as a volunteer position, there is no compensation.
How does someone sign up to work or volunteer at the polls, and what does the preparation process involve?
Anyone interested should contact the City of Manchester, Office of the City Clerk, by email: cityclerk@manchesternh.gov. We will assign a position and provide training dates and times. If a position is compensated, the person must complete an I9 and W4 form.
Can you describe the training provided to new poll workers or volunteers?
In-person training is conducted at Manchester City Hall. The training sessions range from one to two hours depending on the position. We provide training materials and instructions that are established by New Hampshire election law statutes or the Secretary of State/City Clerk guidance. Each trainee must take an oath of office during the training session to work at the polls.
What measures are in place to ensure safety and fairness at the polling stations?
Each election official must take an oath of office swearing and affirming that they will perform their duties according to New Hampshire laws, city ordinances and policies and the rules and regulations of the State of New Hampshire. There is an enforced ‘no campaigning’ rule in every polling place.
If someone misses the deadline to work or volunteer for this primary, how can they get involved in future elections?
The City of Manchester is always looking for engaged residents offering their time to assist us on Election Day. Interested parties can reach us by email. We keep contact information on file to reach out to interested parties prior to every election until the positions are filled. Each election varies in the number of workers we would require. Staffing the polling place is dependent on the current political activity and historical turnout.
