State seeks more poll workers
The state needs a few hundred good volunteers for the Nov. 7 general election -- 400, to be exact.
About 3,500 poll workers are needed to cover all districts, with 2,400 of them just in Honolulu, said state voter service coordinator Rex Quidilla.
The worker shortage is greatest in Aina Haina, Kaimuki, Hawaii Kai, Moanalua and Manoa. Quidilla said volunteers do not have to be from the area to work.
Volunteers undergo a training session to be scheduled by the state, and will assume responsibilities that range from assisting voters in procedures to maintaining inventory of all election materials.
Compensation goes up to $145, depending on a volunteer's responsibilities, but Quidilla said he does not think the pay is the issue.
"The Legislature recently appropriated money to increase the stipend for precinct officials, but it has not substantially increased recruitment," Quidilla said. "Serving as a precinct official is in large part one's own sense of community and civic-mindedness."
Quidilla said the Elections Office also recruits from community groups and schools. Some nonprofit organizations have their members volunteer and donate their stipend to the organization.
"Although we've made contact with many groups, we continue to have difficulties," Quidilla said.
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS
» How to volunteer: Call the state Office of Elections at 808-453-VOTE (8683).
» Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 7
» Minimum qualifications: 16 years old by June 30; registered voter; able to read and lift 25-35 pounds; must attend a training session and pass a certification exam
» Pay: From $85 to $145, depending on polling place size or duties
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