As the Chautauqua County Board of Elections gets ready for this year's general election, the county's two election commissioners are encouraging all returning poll workers to attend the mandatory trainings for this year. Luz Torres and Nacole Ellis are also encouraging anyone interested in becoming a poll worker to attend. On Monday, Torres and Ellis announced their upcoming training schedule.
Training sessions will begin in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area at the BOCES LoGuidice Center, located at 9520 Fredonia-Stockton Road. Dates and times for that location are:
- Tuesday, August 11th at 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM
- Wednesday, August 12th at 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM
- Thursday, August 13th at 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM
- Friday, August 14th at 9:00 AM
Training sessions will then move to the Jamestown area at the Jamestown Community College Main Campus Carnahan Theatre, located at 241 James Avenue. Dates and times for this location are:
- Tuesday, August 18th at 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM
- Wednesday, August 19th at 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM
- Thursday, August 20th at 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM
- Saturday, August 22nd at 9:00 AM
Training sessions will finish in the Mayville area at Carlson Community Center, located at 50 West Lake Road. Dates and times for this location are
- Tuesday, August 25th at 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM
- Wednesday, August 26th at 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM
- Thursday, August 27th at 9:00 AM
Anyone registered in the two major parties (Democratic or Republican) can sign-up to be a poll worker. Poll workers are paid $35 for their training and $16 an hour while working at poll sites on Election Day. Poll workers need to attend a training session each year to continue to be eligible to work. Torres says it's a position that would allow a worker to make around $250 for a full day shift.
Each new trainee is asked to bring their driver's license, Social Security Card and voided check so the Board of Elections can issue a direct deposit payment. Current workers who have changed their address or banking information will need to bring the same documentation to training to ensure payment. No reservations are needed for any session. Only one session should be attended each year.
Those with questions are urged to please contact the Chautauqua County Board of Elections Office at (716) 753-4580 and/or visit www.votechautauqua.com.
