Oklahoma senator proposes bill to increase pay for election poll workers
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — An Oklahoma state senator has proposed legislation that would increase pay for election poll workers.
Sen. Warren Hamilton of McCurtain plans to introduce the legislation in the 2023 session.
“Poll workers are instrumental in ensuring integrity in Oklahoma’s elections and are absolutely essential to the process,” Hamilton said. “But this last election cycle, many counties faced worker shortages. I believe increasing the compensation for these jobs would definitely help address this issue.”
Poll workers across the state are currently paid $110 per day, and judges and clerks are paid $100 per day. Hamilton’s proposed legislation would increase compensation to $200 a day.
“These volunteers spend long days at polling places as they arrive well before the polls open and are still working after they close,” Hamilton said. “A pay increase would not only help attract the workers our counties need, but it’s also a way we can show our appreciation to these individuals who work so hard to ensure an efficient and secure voting process in each of our precincts.”
