Commissioners approve $2 hourly increase for election workers

The commissioners voted unanimously on Sept. 22 to raise election worker pay by $2 per hour across the board, a change the county election administrator said would help retain experienced judges and poll workers during a demanding election season.

Election administrator Shannon explained the historical pay changes (2020: $10→$12; 2023: judges $14, alternates $13 while poll workers remained at $12) and asked the court to raise rates to $16 for election judges, $15 for alternates, and $14 for poll workers. "I am asking for a $2 pay increase across the board for all election and early voting personnel," Shannon said, adding that many workers are on fixed incomes and commit long hours.

Shannon told commissioners she had budgeted the change and estimated the impact across elections would be under $20,000. Commissioners discussed statutory limits on paid pre‑ and post‑poll hours and confirmed the budget adjustment; the court approved the pay increase 5-0.

The county also reminded staff that some election duties (setup, outreach) require unpaid time beyond statutorily compensable hours, and the election office said it will continue to recruit and organize teams for upcoming elections.