Minimum Wage Wealth

Uncle Sammy wants you to make a buck helpin' him out

I had the opportunity to help the country out, as well as make a little bit of extra money. It didn’t pay incredibly well – about $8.00 an hour – but I was able to take the day off and still earn income from my normal job, essentially doubling my income for that day. There are also opportunities to work later in the day as a counting center worker, which makes in the area of $12.00 an hour, and can be done after your regular job.

At multiple times through the year, we participate in this wonderful thing called the democratic election process. In tens of thousands of buildings across the country, the government hires average citizens to become election officials.

It’s decent work. You put in a lot of hours (usually around 15 the day of the election), but it isn’t particularly taxing, and requires no special set of skills. Better yet, they hire almost anyone to be a poll worker.

Do you meet these strenuous requirements?

• Registered voter (which usually requires you to live in a county in the USA)
• Are over the age of 18 (not the case in all areas. I’ve seen poll workers as young as 17)
• Aren’t a convicted felon

If so, your a prime candidate for a poll worker. It’s a very good way to earn extra money while helping out the country. On your way to wealth, every little bit of extra income helps, and this is no exception. Many areas are in need of poll workers, so the likelihood of being accepted as a poll worker is very high.

Training is not very strenuous, but is required. Expect to commit to approximately 2 hours of training prior to the election. In my state, they offer an extra bonus for those with internet access that are willing to do online training.

Who do you contact?

The best and easiest way to get the process started is to contact your local election officials. They are always looking for people of any age willing to work. The EAC has a nice FAQ to advise prospective poll workers on what the steps are, as well as contact information concerning your local officials. You can find that link here.

Tips to help you prep for working the polls:

1. Wear comfortable shoes. Some poll workers get the job of initializing machines for voters. Such a task will have you walking quite a bit during the day.
2. Be professional. You are being a civil servant, so put your best foot forward.
3. Don’t rig the election.
4. Keep your political views to yourself – at least when voters are around. You can always vent when voters aren’t around.
5. Find the contact list of other poll workers and contact them prior to election day. It always helps to know who your crew is. I had the pleasure of working with some very interesting, intelligent workers that I would have not had the great opportunity to work with, and I am sure you will too.

There are probably a few other suggestions, but those may prove to be the best. Despite the idea that elections are this stoic, somber activity, it’s quite a bit of fun, and easy work. Although it doesn’t pay the best, it beats doing nothing, and earning nothing. Keeping active is critical to your path to becoming wealthy.