Buddy Schum of Bucks County is a former committee leader in Philadelphia, PA, where he assisted the county during election cycles, and even helped the ward leader obtain his position. In the following article, Buddy Schum of Bucks County discusses the importance of an election clerk and details the duties of poll employees.
Election Day is the most important day in our democracy. Poll workers play a key role in making sure that each person’s vote is counted, and that the election is run smoothly. Whether it’s a local school board election or a national presidential election, election clerks are the people responsible for registering voters, verifying voter eligibility, and providing instructions on how to cast a ballot.
Given the national interest in poll workers and election outcomes, Buddy Schum of Bucks County provides an overview of the job description of poll workers, including what types of poll workers there are, what responsibilities they have, what qualifications they must meet, and why there is now so much demand for election workers. This article should hopefully provide more insight into the election process.
Buddy Schum on What a Poll Worker Does
When it comes to running an election, Buddy Schum of Bucks County explains that poll workers are the backbone of the process. They come from all walks of life and play a hands-on role in guaranteeing that everyone gets a vote. They are responsible for ensuring that all voting procedures are followed properly and fairly, they greet voters at the polls, verify their identity and eligibility, provide instructions, and then collect and count the votes.
An Overview of the Types of Poll Workers
Buddy Schum of Bucks County says that poll workers can be divided into three categories:
- Election Clerks – Election clerks, otherwise known as poll workers, are the people who greet and check in voters at the polls. They are responsible for verifying the voter’s identity and eligibility and providing them with voting instructions.
- Precinct Judges – Buddy Schum of Bucks County explains that precinct judges are responsible for overseeing the entire process at the polling place. They are responsible for keeping order in the facility, resolving any disputes that may arise, and ensuring that all voting procedures are followed properly.
- County Election Workers – County election workers are responsible for monitoring the overall election process in their county. They take a macro approach to overseeing that elections are run fairly.
By working together both on the ground and at a wider scale, Buddy Schum of Bucks County says that election clerks, county election officials, and precinct judges can help to streamline the voting process.
The Day-to-Day Responsibilities of an Election Clerk
Working as a poll worker isn’t a year-round commitment but, come Election Day, it is an essential job that requires attention to detail and a commitment to fairness explains Buddy Schum of Bucks County. On Election Day, poll workers must:
- Set up the polling place by preparing the Electronic Voter Interface Device and ImageCast Evolution unit
- Instruct voters on where and how to place their ballots and inform voters if the ballot did not go through
- Verifies voter identities
- Maintains cleanliness throughout the privacy booths
- Directs voters into the precinct
- Verifies seal numbers on the ballot bags
- Liaise with county election officials
Poll workers must then close the ballots at exactly 7:00 PM, in line with government mandates.
Qualifications
Buddy Schum of Bucks County says that poll workers must meet certain qualifications in order to work at an election place. Most states require that poll workers be registered voters in the state, and some states may require that poll workers be of a certain age.
Additionally, Buddy Schum of Bucks County explains that poll workers must be able to read and write in order to be able to understand and follow voting instructions. Finally, being able to communicate clearly and effectively with voters in order to ensure a smooth and efficient voting process. Some jurisdictions even require poll workers to pass an interview, proving their neutrality and commitment to honest elections.
Why There is So Much Demand for Election Clerks
Buddy Schum of Bucks County says that the demand for poll workers has increased significantly in recent years due to a variety of factors. One of the main reasons for the increased demand is the fact that more people are voting in elections now than ever before. Additionally, the number of states that are offering early voting and mail-in voting has also increased since the pandemic, which has further increased the demand for poll workers.
The Bottom Line
Without poll workers, elections would not be able to run as smoothly as they do. Buddy Schum of Bucks County says that poll workers play an important role in our democracy, and it is essential that they understand their responsibilities, qualifications, and the importance of their role. By understanding the job description of a poll worker, we can better appreciate the effort and dedication that goes into making sure each person’s vote is counted.
