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Clerk urges $20→$30 meal stipend increase for poll workers for Election 2026
Summary
Clerk told the board that while the office lacks budget to boost hourly poll worker pay for Election 2026, the proposed increase in the meal allowance from $20 to $30 would help cover long shifts (about 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
The clerk briefed board members on staffing constraints and proposed increasing the poll workers' meal allowance from $20 to $30 for Election 2026, citing long workdays that often run from about 5 a.m. until 7 p.m. "We are hoping that... we'll increase their meal allowance from $20 to $30," Clerk said, adding that although the board already offers among the higher poll worker pay in the state, current daily pay does not sufficiently cover long hours and extra expenses.
Members responded that additional stipend could help with recruitment and retention; one member noted the $20 allotment "probably not gonna cut it" for a full day and that an increased allowance would help cover coffee and energy needs. The clerk said budget constraints make raising hourly pay unlikely now but that the office will propose the increased meal allowance in next year’s budget.
