OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – Precinct officials across Oklahoma will now receive twice the pay they were previously receiving thanks to a bill written to help recruit workers for elections across the state.
Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 290 into law in June 2023. The bill went into effect on July 1 of this year, increasing the pay for election inspectors, judges and clerks.
State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax expressed confidence that the pay increase will support recruitment efforts throughout Oklahoma.
“Precinct officials are vital to the success of elections,” Ziriax said. “We are extremely grateful to our state leaders for passing legislation that not only shows our current poll workers how much we appreciate them – but also supports recruitment and retention efforts across the state.”
Each precinct is required by state law to have at least three precinct officials – a clerk, an inspector and a judge, according to Oklahoma State Election Board officials.
Those positions will now receive double what they were previously paid.
Inspector pay increased from $110 a day to $225 a day. Pay for judges and clerks increased from $100 a day to $200 a day.
Previous experience is not required to serve as an election official, but individuals interested in such positions must be willing and able to work long hours and have reliable transportation. They must also work in the county where they are registered to vote. Mandatory training will be provided.
Voters who want to work as a precinct official are advised to contact their county election board directly for more information. Go to the State Election Board website for more information if you are interested in becoming a poll worker.
