By Michele Curry

Poll managers are the key to administering free and fair elections. You might be interested in joining this dedicated corps of workers. But you’ve got some questions.

How do I become a poll manager? What will be expected of me? What kind of training will I get?

We talked with four members of the LWV of Greenville County about their experiences as poll managers: Meet Peggy Schotsch, Kathleen Snider,  Nikki Grumbine, and Linda Derector. Their years of poll work vary, but all confirmed they will continue to be involved.  

Kathleen worked for the first time in the recent primary and run-off.  Her career experience in fraud and risk assessment with state government prompted her desire to personally assess any election fraud concerns.  She found the process to be “… a very good system, with extremely limited potential for fraud.  I was not concerned, and the experience supported that view.”

Nikki’s first time working the polls was during the 2020 presidential election at the height of Covid. But she knew poll managers were in short supply.  ”It was memorable because voters were enthusiastic, and excited.” Her polling location was well organized, and maintained excellent health and safety standards.  She has continued working in recent primary elections..

Linda has served three times as a poll manager and once as a poll watcher – that’s an observer position associated with either a political party or a candidate. She prefers “working” at the polls.   Being a poll worker, she said “you’re actually helping, assisting and talking with voters, and the day moves along.”  A poll watcher’s role is observational only and watchers are prohibited from interacting with voters.

Each one cited their interest in and commitment to civic responsibility and making contributions to their local communities. Several women said they had considered working the polls prior to retirement and took the initiative after retirement. That’s not unusual: The average age of a poll worker in South Carolina is 73.  

But Peggy, motivated by the news of “hanging chads” from the 2000 Florida Presidential election, was the exception, working the 2004 Presidential election while still fully employed. She took 10 years off, then returned to poll work in 2014, after retirement, and has been doing the job for the last eight years. Thank you, Peggy!

The group agreed on several aspects of working the polls: The time commitment, four hours of combined online and in-person training, was manageable. Both training sessions are required for all poll managers in every election. Flexible scheduling times are available and instruction booklets are provided.  Next, no sugar coating here -- work hours on “Election Day” are long.  Expected arrival time at your polling location is about 6:00 a.m. and completion of activities for most poll workers is after 8:00 p.m. Yes, workers are paid (at least $135 for the day) and there may be food at your assigned precinct.  But don’t count on that. The group advises bringing some extra water or snacks.

Polls are managed by poll clerks and staffed by poll managers. They may serve in a variety of roles on Election Day. In smaller precincts or in areas with low-turnout, they may wear many hats.

•  Clerk – The clerk is the lead poll manager and oversees the polling place. It is the clerk’s job to assign roles, arrange the polling place, monitor the flow of traffic, maintain an orderly voting process, complete paperwork, ensure equipment is returned, and ensure policies and procedures are followed. 

•  Greeters – Greets voters, asks voters if they have the proper Photo ID, asks voters to have their ID ready, identifies voters with issues, directs voters to the manager’s table or resolution table, monitors for curbside voting, and monitors for any issues inside or outside the polling place. •  Manager’s Table – Processes voters. 

•  Resolution Table – Processes voters with address issues, provisional ballots, and other issues.

•  Curbside Manager – Manages the curbside voting process. 

•  Ballot-Marking Device Manager – Directs voters to an available ballot-marking device, instructs voters on inserting the ballot card, selects ballot styles, and directs voters to the scanner. 

Our interviewees agreed that the most complex, time-consuming roll is that of the “poll clerk” at each polling location.  Poll clerks oversee election operations at the precinct. It’s an important role with lots of responsibility.

“The clerks deserve a great deal of thanks and appreciation, for their role,” they all agreed.

Finally, they had some additional, encouraging observations:

·       You’ll meet friendly people, focused on civic responsibility.

·       If you’re working your home precinct (not guaranteed) you see neighbors and friends. 

·       Yes, I have told friends and acquaintances to do it.

·       Support and vote in the primaries, they are critical.

·       Made me realize how safe, secure, and organized our voting process really is.  The concept of significant “voter fraud” is just not a valid concern.

Thank you again to Peggy,, Kathleen, Nikki, and Linda who contributed their time and thoughts to LWV!

Want to know more about becoming a poll worker? Then if you’re interested you can apply online, or contact the elections office by email or calling 864-467-5972 for more information.