House committee advances bill to raise pay for election commissioners and poll workers

House Bill 223, carried by Representative Domingue, would increase the daily compensation for commissioners in charge, commissioners at polling places and other poll workers. The bill — requested by registrars of voters and clerks of court — raises the pay for commissioners in charge from $250 to $300 and provides higher amounts for commissioners who serve multiple precincts, certified commissioners and others, with smaller increases for uncertified commissioners.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry told the committee the change is part of a broader voter-protection and recruitment effort and said Louisiana’s average poll-worker age is about 65; the modest pay increase will help recruit replacements as many current commissioners retire. Landry said the Election Assistance Commission recognized Louisiana this year for successful poll-worker recruitment that produced more than 800 potential poll workers.

Several lawmakers urged quick action. Representative Bridal moved favorable passage; the motion passed with no objection and HB 223 was reported favorably by the committee.

Committee members and state election officials discussed training requirements for poll workers and whether the pay increase applies to early voting and absentee functions; Landry and other election officials said absentee and early-voting commissioners are included and that training typically runs about an hour in most parishes. The committee recorded no roll-call vote on the bill; it was advanced by voice as reported favorably.

The bill’s sponsors and the secretary of state emphasized the law does not change selection or certification processes; it adjusts compensation amounts to assist recruitment and to recognize lengthy election-day service by commissioners and commissioners in charge.