In an effort to to help with the shortage of poll workers available to cover election events across the state, Gov. Phil Murphy signed Tuesday an executive order increasing Election Day pay by $100 from $200 to $300.
During the nine early voting days: October 23 to 31, pay for poll workers will increase by “a commensurate hourly rate,” according to Murphy’s executive order.
As reported by nj.com, on November 2, Election Day, poll workers will get the extra $100 for spending a full day at the polls. People who work one shift will receive an additional $50.
Murphy stressed the importance of these workers in a statement. “Our poll workers are an essential component of our elections in ensuring our voters are able to exercise their right to vote. Early voting coupled with an increase in pay for poll workers, is critical to maintain the accessibility, security, and safety of this upcoming election.”
Before the increase in pay, they were set to be paid a flat-rate $200 for a whole day’s work, $100 for a half day, or $14.29 per hour. The pay is standardized because the state reimburses counties according to a pay schedule.
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County election officials welcomed Murphy’s executive order. They hope it will help staff polling places during a general election in November and the grueling 14-hour workday it requires, plus on early voting days.
“A great decision”
Stefanie Salvatore, superintendent of elections for Gloucester County said the county still needs to fill about 20% of Gloucester’s poll worker slots as of this week. “I think that it was a great decision by the governor that’s going to help us recruit poll workers and make us more competitive.”
The Monmouth County Board of Elections secretary, Allan Roth, said the board was, “pleased” that the governor had ordered the pay hike to poll workers. “The $300 will, I’m sure, help with the shortage that currently exists within the county and statewide,” said Roth.
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