County elections staff updated the Cochise County Board of Supervisors on poll worker recruitment, pay and training schedules ahead of an upcoming election. Staff said poll workers must submit an online application and attend mandatory training; they noted the last training for the current cycle is next week and some precinct appointments remain open.
Why it matters: supervisors raised concerns that signature verification was a bottleneck in past elections and asked staff to explore options for more signature verifiers and incentives for poll workers in the 2026 cycle. The board discussed whether temporary or permanent staffing changes should be proposed in next year's budget to improve election operations.
Details: staff described pay arrangements for poll workers: training is paid, and total pay varies by location and role. During the work session supervisors discussed ranges and examples staff provided: poll worker total pay was described as roughly $35 to $55 depending on assignment; inspectors receive higher compensation (one figure cited was about $150); staff described mandatory training and a required online submittal form. Supervisors asked staff to return with a more detailed staffing and budget proposal for the 2026 cycle, and requested a work session to plan optimal staffing, signature verifiers and incentives.
Status and next steps: staff will hold remaining trainings this week and will schedule a work session before the 2026 budget process to examine adding signature verifiers, incentive pay and potential reorganization between recorder and elections offices. The board flagged this for the January budget timeline and asked staff to put a proposal together.