Sen. Boren applauds bipartisan effort to raise precinct official pay; encourages Oklahomans to apply for jobs

Sen. Boren applauds bipartisan effort to raise precinct official pay; encourages Oklahomans to apply for jobs

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 17th) – Sen. Mary Boren said legislation that took effect July 1 doubling precinct official pay will not only help address poll worker shortages seen in recent years, but also points to the positive impact of bipartisan efforts to address pressing issues facing the state. Boren was a co-author to her colleague Sen. Warren Hamilton’s Senate Bill 290, which was approved during the 2023 legislative session.

“Whenever Democrats join with Republicans in both chambers to help author laws to make voting better in Oklahoma, it’s a great day at the Capitol,” said Boren, D-Norman. “Our poll workers play an important role in making our voices heard on election day. Voting is a right secured by our ancestors from all walks of life, and it is the way we peaceably come together to choose who will speak for us in government. The goal for increasing the pay is to thank those who have dutifully served in our precincts for years by compensating them fairly for their work. With this change, we also hope younger working Oklahomans will step up to help their neighbors enjoy the fundamental American right of voting and preserve democracy for the next generation.”

Each voting precinct in the state must have at least three precinct officials, including an inspector, judge, and clerk. As of July 1, inspector pay increased from $110 to $225 a day, and pay for judges and clerks increased from $100 to $200 a day. According to the State Election Board, no experience is necessary, but you must be willing and able to work long hours and have reliable transportation. Applicants must work in the county where they are registered to vote. Training is mandatory and is provided.

Additional information about becoming a poll worker is available through the State Election Board at https://oklahoma.gov/elections/volunteer/poll-worker-opportunities.html. For contact information for your local county election board, go to https://oklahoma.gov/elections/about-us/county-election-boards.html.