Sen. Boren praises bipartisan effort to raise county officials’ salaries; encourages Oklahomans to apply ~ MuskogeePolitico.com

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 17) — Sen. Mary Boren said legislation that took effect July 1 doubling the salaries of poll workers will not only help address the poll worker shortage of recent years, but also highlights the positive impact of bipartisan efforts to address pressing issues in the state. Boren co-authored her colleague Sen. Warren Hamilton’s House Bill 290, which passed in the 2023 legislative session.

“When Democrats in both chambers join Republicans to write legislation to improve voting in Oklahoma, it’s a great day at the Capitol,” said Boren, D-Norman. “Our poll workers play an important role in making our voices heard on Election Day. Voting is a right that has been guaranteed by our ancestors from all walks of life, and it’s how we come together peacefully to choose who will speak for us in government. The purpose of raising wages is to thank those who have served our constituents for years by compensating them fairly for their work. With this change, we also hope that younger working Oklahomans will help their neighbors enjoy the fundamental American right to vote and preserve democracy for the next generation.”

Each polling place in the state must have at least three precinct officials, including an inspector, judge and clerk. Effective July 1, inspectors’ salaries increased from $110 to $225 per day, and judges and clerks’ salaries increased from $100 to $200 per day. According to the State Election Board, no experience is required, but you must be willing and able to work long hours and have reliable transportation. Applicants must work in the county where they are registered to vote. Training is required and provided.

Additional information about becoming a poll worker is available through the State Election Board at https://oklahoma.gov/elections/volunteer/poll-worker-opportunities.html. For contact information for your local county election board, go to https://oklahoma.gov/elections/about-us/county-election-boards.html.