Anson County poll workers will get a pay increase following a Dec. 6 decision by the county commissioners.
Steve Adams, director of the Anson County Board of Elections, told the board that precinct officials are “the backbone of the election success here in Anson County” and needed the raise.
Adams said that while 50 counties had protests and accusations of fraud, Anson was not among them, as all results came back perfectly. He also said the county led other counties of similar size in voting turnout.
He also pointed out that this year’s heated presidential election contained dynamics he had never seen in his time as an elections director, that he’s never had to fire a worker and that poll workers work long days.
With this in mind — and the fact that poll workers haven’t received a raise since 2005 — Adams said they were due for the increase.
The new pay scale will offer $30 each for chief judge, judge and assistant instructional meeting and training, additional training, supply pickup days for the chief judge or judges, the supply return on election night, working out-of-precinct, election eve set-up training for chief judges and judges, and canvas day for the chief judge and judges.
Early voting/One Stop workers will be paid $10 per hour. Election day rates for chief judges will be $200, $170 for judges, and $125 for assistants/poll workers and emergency workers/office assistants. Three-day equipment set-up and tear-down will pay $300, while unloading supplies on election night can earn workers $75. The board will pay $50 for those loading and unloading the truck.
Adams asked that the pay increase be made retroactive to include the November election, but the commissioners denied that and approved it for future elections.
Adams said that the Board of Elections is actively seeking new poll workers and hopes that the higher pay rates will attract new employees.
Board elections
Commissioners Bobby Sikes, Harold Smith and Ross Streater were sworn in at the beginning of the meeting as they were all reelected in November.
The board members present nominated Anna Baucom to serve again as chairperson and for Streater to be the vice-chair; commissioners Jarvis Woodburn and Vancine Sturdivant were absent.
Reach reporter Imari Scarbrough at 704-994-5471 and follow her on Twitter @ImariScarbrough.