COLUMBIA, S.C. — Amid a historic election year, South Carolina's poll workers may see a welcome boost in their pay as the state grapples with significant turnover rates.
The South Carolina Election Commission is currently seeking $4 million in the state budget to raise daily pay for poll workers from $135 to $175.
Aurora Smalls, the Orangeburg Election Director, sheds light on the challenges of recruiting poll workers, with many expressing surprise at the all-day commitment required on Saturdays.
"It's a job that no one thinks you work until it's Election Day," says Smalls. She reveals that the Orangeburg office, needing approximately 200 workers for an election, currently has only 150, and reaching full staffing remains a perpetual challenge.
"I don't think you’ll ever be fully staffed," said Smalls.
But a pay raise would certainly be welcome, she said.
"They're not there for the money, but it will be great to show some appreciation by giving them a little bit more money," said Smalls.
State Election Director Howie Knapp said the turnover issue is bad from top to bottom, stating that 72 percent of county directors have quit since 2021.
"In my entire government career, I've never seen turnover this high anywhere," notes Knapp.
To address the turnover problem, Knapp is advocating for increased pay as an incentive. The commission is additionally requesting $1 million to raise county election board members' annual stipends from $1,500 to $2,500, with a cap set at $22,500 per county.
"They're not there for the money, but it will be great to show some appreciation by giving them a little bit more," says Smalls, acknowledging the importance of recognizing the efforts of poll workers.
The Election Commission's major request stands at $11.5 million, aimed at covering the costs associated with running approximately 300 elections statewide.
"It seems like everything is getting more expensive in life. That includes people, the cost of hiring quality people, whether they're temporary, like poll workers, or full-time staff is getting more expensive," said Knapp.
The proposed pay raises are anticipated to come into effect after budget approval.
"If we don't get the budget requests or asking for it will negatively impact not the accuracy of elections but even negatively impacts the quality of elections and The confidence that people have that voters have in our elections," said Knapp.