Time is running short, and poll workers, especially those who are bilingual in any one of eight specific languages, are still needed for the Nov. 8 Presidential General Election. The Registrar’s office is required by federal law to provide bilingual speakers and voting materials to voters who speak Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese and Chinese. A survey by the University of California, Berkeley showed a need for speakers of Khmer, Japanese, Korean and Hindi at about 20 precincts, so the Registrar’s office is also recruiting bilingual poll workers in those languages for the Nov. 8 election.
In addition, the Registrar needs standby poll workers who can be assigned on short notice. Standbys who can also speak a second language are in demand, too. Poll workers receive a stipend ranging from $100 to $175 depending on the assignment, and those who are bilingual receive an additional $15 if they are assigned specifically to provide language assistance to voters. Poll workers must be registered voters in the state of California or must be permanent residents in the United States and have transportation to their assigned polling location; they will also need access to the internet to complete an online training and attend a 3-hour, 15-minute class.
Bilingual poll workers fluent in English and one or more of the following languages are needed in these cities and neighborhoods:
Chinese: Carlsbad, Centre City in downtown San Diego, Chula Vista, Del Dios, Encinitas, Oceanside.
Filipino: Chula Vista, Del Dios, Escondido, Mira Mesa, Oceanside, Rancho Peñasquitos, South Bay, South San Diego, San Ysidro, Valley Center.
Korean: Del Mar Heights, University City.
Spanish: Fallbrook, Mira Mesa, Rancho Bernardo, San Ysidro.
Vietnamese: Centre City in downtown San Diego, Chollas Park, City Heights, Clairemont, Del Dios, Encanto, Escondido, La Mesa, Linda Vista, Mira Mesa, Navajo, Normal Heights, Paradise Hills, Rancho Peñasquitos, Rolando Redwood, San Carlos, San Marcos, San Ysidro, Santee, Scripps-Pomerado, Serra Mesa, Vista.
Poll workers are also needed in Carlsbad, Del Mar, Del Mar Heights, Encinitas, Pacific Beach, Solana Beach and University City.
Prospective poll workers can apply online at sdvote.com. For more information, call 858-565-5800 or email [email protected].
