Voting in Savoy on election day, November 7th, hit an all-time high with 44% of the town's 501 registered voters coming to the polls. The polls were open from 7AM to 8PM and the election workers were busy most of that time. Even with extra people counting the ballots at the close of the polls, the lights did not go out at the town office until 12:00 midnight. After the votes are tallied, the Town Clerk(s) have to report the final figures to the media, and the list of interested tv, radio, newspapers and news reports increases when it is a state and federal election. It is a lot of work for everyone and there is a constant need for help in all of these elections. Poll workers are always needed. If anyone has an interest in having their name on a list of available workers for future elections, please contact the Town Clerk.
Poll or election workers receive compensation at $7.50 an hour. They are required to spend the entire time at the polling place manning the voting lists and the ballot box and checking identification of voters when required. Election workers must arrive at the precinct at least 15 minutes before the polls open. Depending on the election, the polls can be open from four (4), eight (8), or thirteen (13) hours.
Counters receive a flat fee of $25.00 for their work. They are required to be at the polls just prior to closing time (8PM). As soon as the polls close and all the voters have finished voting, ballots are removed from the ballot box (in the presence of the police officer) and the counting begins. Counters are required to represent each national party (evenly). Counters check the ballots, mark the votes for each candidate or question, make sure the number of votes recorded equals the number of votes cast, submit the tallies to the election warden, and can then go home. At times the counters are in and out, other times, like when there are a lot of write-ins, it can be a difficult process. For all the workers involved in the election day process, it is a long day and can be very taxing, but it can also be a pleasant experience, talking with neighbors and residents of the town who come out to vote. The Town Clerk and Assistant Town Clerk want to especially thank all the election workers and the police officers who participated in this election, in particular the 'counters' who were called in at the last minute and helped get the votes tallied. It was most appreciated from the Town Clerk