(Rhode Island Board of Elections)

The Rhode Island Board of Elections is recruiting paid poll workers for the Sept. 9 primary and the Nov. 3 general election, with local boards of canvassers hiring across the state.

Poll workers set up polling places, greet voters, verify registrations and issue ballots. They also help voters navigate the process by demonstrating voting equipment and explaining procedures. Pay ranges from $125 to $300 depending on the position and municipality.

“Serving at the polls is one of the most patriotic and civic-minded actions we as citizens can do for our state and our nation,” said Miguel Nunez, executive director of the Board of Elections, in a statement announcing the push on National Poll Worker Recruitment Day.

Information and sign-up are at elections.ri.gov/elections/poll-worker-information. Residents can also contact their local board of canvassers directly.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...