Poll workers in Escambia County (Ala.) will receive an extra $25 per day for the 2018 election cycle beginning with the June 5 primary elections following a vote Tuesday by the county commission.
Poll workers currently make the state minimum of $100 per day with the inspector receiving $125.
Earlier this month, Roger Willamson appeared before the commission seeking a $50 across-the-board raise for the 150 poll workers who work on election day.
Williamson noted that while the polls are only open 12 hours a day, poll workers normally work 14 to 16 hours on election day due to other duties prior to the polls opening and after the polls close.
At the May 14 meeting Commission Chairman Raymond Wiggins told Williamson that the county is currently responsible for half of the cost for poll workers' pay, with the state reimbursing the county for the other half.
Wiggins noted at that meeting if the Alabama Legislature increased the poll workers' pay by $50 the county would only be responsible for $25.
The commission voted Monday to pay the additional $25 and said it will contact the county's legislative delegation in hopes of getting a statewide bill passed to give the $50 across-the-board raise.
Based on expected three voting days in 2018 beginning with the June 5 primaries, a runoff and the November General Election, the extra $25 will cost the county about $11,250 based on 150 poll workers.
The raise given Monday will increase poll workers' pay to $125 per day and will increase the inspector's pay to $150. It marked the first pay increase for poll workers since 2006.
In other business Tuesday, the commission approved posting the south portion of Friendship Road from U.S. Highway 31 at 25 mph for four tenths of a mile.
