TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy yesterday signed Executive Order No. 266, which increases the pay for New Jersey’s poll workers from $200 to $300 for Election Day and increases pay during the early voting period by a commensurate hourly rate, to incentivize poll worker participation during the early voting period as well as Election Day in this year's general election. Yesterday’s Order also waives the restriction that limits poll workers to serving only within the county in which they reside.

“Our poll workers are an essential component of our elections in ensuring our voters are able to exercise their right to vote,” said Governor Murphy. “Early voting coupled with an increase in pay for poll workers is critical to maintaining the accessibility, security, and safety of this upcoming election.”  

“We must do everything we can to ensure we have adequate staffing for this year’s election and beyond; poll workers play a critical role in our democracy,” said Senator James Beach. “Polls are open from 6 am to 8 pm, but poll workers are oftentimes there much earlier and later than those times. This increase will be more reflective of the work they are tasked to do, including setting up and closing polls, signing in voters and helping them operate the machines.”

“Our poll workers do incredibly important work helping people exercise their right to vote,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. “New Jersey has taken significant steps to expand and secure access to the ballot box. Days away from our first year of early voting, increasing poll worker pay is crucial to ensuring a smooth and safe election.”

“We are pleased with Governor Murphy’s action to increase compensation for poll workers. As sponsors of the legislation to increase pay for our poll workers, we believe the move is critical to address poll worker shortages throughout the State and adequately compensate these individuals for their work,” said Assemblymembers Robert Karabinchak and Valerie Vainieri Huttle. “Poll workers play a critical role in ensuring our elections run smoothly. We rely on them to help New Jersey residents exercise their civic duty and participate in the democratic process. This pay increase for poll workers is long overdue.”

Copy of Executive Order No. 266