by Bradley Parsons
Staff Writer
Senior citizen poll workers have become as much a part of the American voting tradition as Tuesdays and low turnout. But voters who have grown accustomed to poll workers in the genteel mold of Rex Morgan, M.D. might be surprised in November when they arrive at their polling places and instead find Doogie Howser.
Florida is following a national trend toward staffing its precincts with younger workers. As polling places increasingly become equipped with laptop computers and touchscreen voting machines, supervisors of elections are seeking out young, technology savvy employees.
Some states are hiring youngsters right out of high school. They’ve grown up with computers and video games and are more likely to speak a second language. Florida Statutes require poll workers of at least 18 years old. Still, most counties are looking for ways to get younger at the polls said Bill Cowles, the president of the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections.
“Recruiting and hiring the traditional poll workers is becoming more difficult. Our work force works longer; they don’t retire as quickly. That restricts the number of people who have the time to commit to the training and work a full Tuesday,” said Cowles. “We’re looking at all our alternatives, looking at how to bring in the youth, because they’ve really been the least engaged as far as elections.”
In Orange County, where Cowles has served as supervisor of elections 1996, Cowles broke in a class of graduating high schoolers during a March presidential preference primary. By introducing them early to the county’s web–linked polling places, Cowles said he hoped some of the students would be ready to work the Nov. 2 general election.
Florida’s school schedule stands in the way of a full–fledged youth movement. Most high schools and colleges start classes in the weeks leading up to Florida’s Aug. 31 primary and the general election. But Cowles said Orlando area schools have still provided fertile ground for new workers.
Cowles has formed partnerships with area booster clubs. Rather than raising money for their kids’ activities through bake sales, car washes and concessions, the clubs pledge their time to train and work the polls. Cowles’ office then pays them the standard poll worker’s wage. The poll captains earn $200 for the day, others make from $100 to $125.
“They can work three elections and make $2400,” said Cowles.
Duval County has also turned to non–traditional labor pools to hire about 3,000 workers necessary for the upcoming election. The local Supervisor of Elections office launched Partners in Democracy in 2002. The initiative partners the Supervisor’s office with local businesses who volunteer employees to work the polls.
Supervisor of Elections spokesperson Erin Moody said the move away from retirees will result in younger precinct staffs, but she said that wasn’t the intent. She said Duval County is focusing on training all its poll workers in new voting technology. But she admits the younger workers take to it more naturally.
“It’s not just the voting machines, but there’s a laptop computer at each site as well,” said Moody. “A lot of older people have a tough time with some of the new technology.”