Sarasota County's elections office has filled only about 400 of the 800 poll worker positions it needs to run the Aug. 18 primary, and Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner is asking residents to apply while training slots remain.
The shortage spans the county's 98 voting precincts and 83 polling locations. Turner said the gap is a familiar summer problem driven by seasonal residents who leave town.
"Summer in Sarasota County is different from other communities because so many of our residents — and potential poll workers — are out of town during that time," Turner said in a July 21 news release. "That's great for those folks who enjoy summer elsewhere, but it puts a real strain on recruiting enough poll workers for a countywide election."
The elections office hires about 1,000 total temporary staff for a countywide election; the 800 figure refers specifically to poll workers assigned to precincts on Election Day.
What's on the ballot
The Aug. 18 primary includes nonpartisan countywide races for three Sarasota County School Board seats and, for city of Sarasota voters, two at-large city commission seats. More than 85,000 county voters have no party affiliation or belong to a minor party, according to Turner's office, and all registered voters may cast ballots in the nonpartisan races regardless of party.
Nine days of early voting precede Election Day. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 18.
The positions on the Aug. 18 primary ballot are:
- Sarasota County School Board, District 1 (nonpartisan)
- Sarasota County School Board, District 4 (nonpartisan)
- Sarasota County School Board, District 5 (nonpartisan)
- City of Sarasota Commission, At-Large Seat 1 (nonpartisan; city voters only)
- City of Sarasota Commission, At-Large Seat 2 (nonpartisan; city voters only)
What poll workers do and what it pays
Poll workers report to their assigned polling place at 6 a.m. on Election Day and stay until the last voter has cast a ballot and closing procedures are complete. Some also help set up the day before.
Positions pay $240 to $350 per election. Roles include inspectors, who set up electronic poll books, process voters, issue ballots and ensure each ballot is accepted by the scanner, and deputies, who greet voters, monitor the no-solicitation zone and hand out "I Voted" stickers.
Requirements: Applicants must be registered Sarasota County voters who can read, write and speak English, sit or stand for long periods, lift up to 40 pounds with another worker and have email and internet access. Students at least 16 years old may also apply.
Florida law requires poll workers to complete both online and in-person training before Election Day, so slots will close as the Aug. 18 date approaches. Turner said the elections office needs sign-ups soon.
How to apply
Visit the Poll Worker section of SarasotaVotes.gov or call 941-861-8640.
Upcoming election dates
- Aug. 6 — Deadline to request a mail ballot (by 5 p.m.)
- Aug. 18 — Primary Election Day, polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Oct. 5 — Voter registration deadline for the general election
- Nov. 3 — General Election Day
