Sandusky’s decision to make Election Day a paid holiday for city workers is a smart way to expand access to the ballot. Cincinnati announced a similar proposal. Cleveland should follow suit and go further: offer incentives to city employees to serve as poll workers, filling a critical shortage plaguing our election system.
Poll workers are the backbone of our democracy but they are difficult to recruit. They tackle problems like long lines and broken voting machines, and ensure voters know how and where to vote. They are often the difference between whether a voter casts a ballot or can’t. To run free, fair elections, we must have trained poll workers who reflect our community.
City officials should offer incentives to employees to serve as poll workers such as an additional paid day off or partner with election officials for a poll worker appreciation day. They should publicize that Cuyahoga County poll workers are paid for their day’s work.
Declaring Election Day a holiday can increase voter turnout, but only if polls are staffed. Cleveland can safeguard our electoral process by making Election Day a holiday and encouraging city workers to serve at the polls.
Mike Brickner, Ohio Director, All Voting is Local
Washington D.C.