Sec. of State Brewer Urges Arizonans to Serve as Poll Workers

New Statewide Poll Worker Recruitment and Training Program Underway

PHOENIX -- Secretary of State Jan Brewer today announced a major statewide effort to help recruit and train poll workers for the 2008 Primary Election on September 2, and the General Election on November 4.

“The clear reality as we advance upon the upcoming 2008 elections are that more Arizona voters may go to the polling place and vote than we have ever seen in our history, said Secretary of State Jan Brewer, “I believe strongly we need to redouble our efforts to recruit and train qualified poll workers so that our Election Day runs smoothly and efficiently.”

With more than 2.7 million registered voters in Arizona, voter turnout could reach 80 percent with over 2 million voters participating. That would be the largest turnout of voters in state history. With over 2,200 polling places scattered in every corner of the state, the Secretary of State is teaming up with each county to recruit over 14,000 poll workers needed on Election Day.

“The simple truth is that poll workers are critical players in our democracy, as they ensure that Arizona’s elections are run smoothly, correctly, and fairly,” added Secretary Brewer, “Poll workers are definitely the life blood of our democratic process.

The Secretary of State’s program has three major components dedicated towards recruitment and training. The first component is her “Corporate Challenge” program where companies are approached to encourage their employees to become a poll worker by promoting it on their websites, in meetings, and inserts in payroll checks. Companies are also being asked to accommodate their employees taking the day off to become poll workers.

The second component of the new poll worker program is the creation and purchase of additional training materials for all 15 county election offices to utilize. The Secretary of State and county elections offices will team together to add special training classes, presentation tools and equipment, new training videos and other training and educational materials for poll workers.

The third component of this poll worker program is a public outreach campaign to reach all of Arizona. This will include advertisements on our website, TV, radio and in print and will cover the entire state. The recruitment campaign is now prominently featured on our home page at www.azsos.gov. These advertisements will be aimed at individual citizens and will encourage them to become poll workers.

“Our county election workforce is among the best in the business, but they still need the public’s help to avoid major problems on election day of not having enough support,” stated Secretary Brewer, “I truly believe this recruitment and training program will ensure that Arizona continues to have an efficient election process in which every vote counts.” To sign up as a poll worker, or to learn more about what the qualifications and responsibilities of a poll worker are, go to: www.azsos.gov or call 1-877-THE VOTE.

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