All about county's poll workers

Since my affiliation with Kootenai County Elections began in January 2011, I've learned a great deal about the 500-plus poll workers available to serve county voters. I've also realized how many myths exist about them, which contrast rather starkly with reality.

Myth 1: Poll workers are volunteers. Actually, poll workers are paid independent contractors. They receive a 1099 income tax form and are covered by workers' compensation insurance. Chief judges - the poll workers in charge of each precinct - are paid $165 each election day. Poll clerks' pay is $125, and training session pay for both groups is $25 per session.

Though requirements vary around Idaho, in Kootenai County we require poll workers to be registered voters. We research poll worker applicants to screen out lawbreakers. Each election we screen poll workers to eliminate conflicts of interest (such as being a candidate's relative).

Elections management and staff design poll worker training to explicitly address the behaviors and skills required for each election. We deliver the training creatively to keep attention high. We train a few extra poll workers to be on stand-by for illnesses that can impact a workforce; this is especially vital since we're mobilizing workers for a single day's tasks.

Myth 2: Poll work is just social. Each voter's situation is unique, and poll workers interpret Idaho Code on-the-spot to meet those needs. Their decisions require focus, attention to detail and excellent judgment. Good social skills help, but poll work is mostly legal - and it's challenging.

Voters can resist our requests. When we ask for your photo identification even if we know you, or we announce your name and city as your ballot is deposited, poll workers are just following the law. In November, one angry voter so intimidated a poll clerk that he received a ballot despite the voter's refusal to either show his identification or sign an affidavit. We counseled the poll worker over that situation, and have talked about it in all training sessions since then.

May I take this opportunity for a request? Please voters, be civil. Choose to vote absentee if you cannot treat poll workers respectfully. They must follow the letter of the law for Kootenai County's elections integrity to be sustained. Thank you.

Myth 3: Poll workers are little old ladies. Yes, most are women, though demographic shifts are affecting poll workers just like any other organization. Recently more middle-aged men have become poll workers; in the March election, we actually had two all-male precinct teams. People in their 20s and 30s have been applying since we put an application online. More poll workers have other jobs now than a few years ago; they take vacation time to work elections.

Our poll worker ages range from 18 to 89. Our selection criteria include alertness, clear thinking, and the stamina to work 14 straight hours. These criteria are related more to health and discipline than to age. We've observed that some younger people can have difficulty concentrating on a single activity for the length of an election day.

Kootenai County Elections management treats our poll workers as professionals because they are. We track accuracy of ballot distribution and voter registration; we circulate the statistics to our poll workers just as any effective organization uses feedback. In turn, poll workers provide us input on our support and training actions. We appreciate their teamwork.

Poll workers tell us their service offers them a deep sense of purpose. We're grateful for their attentive diligence in Kootenai County, and we're proud to call them colleagues.

Pat Raffee is Kootenai County's chief deputy clerk.