Nebraska stands out as the only state in the U.S. that enforces compulsory election duty, requiring residents to assist in running elections. Failure to comply with a summons could result in a criminal misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $100. This unique system, in place since at least the 1950s, aims to recruit precinct poll workers, election office helpers, and ballot deliverers.
Residents selected for election duty are obligated to serve in various roles for four elections, similar to jury duty. Exemptions are granted for individuals aged 70 or older, those with documented health issues, and parents with young children. To avoid election duty, one must remove themselves from the voter registration rolls.
Only Douglas and Sarpy counties in Nebraska currently utilize the draft system due to their high voter populations. Douglas County alone requires around 3,000 election workers, with 45% being drafted. The draft helps address the challenge of finding sufficient workers, especially amidst safety concerns and threats faced by election workers.
Selected individuals, both volunteers and draftees, are compensated with a minimum wage of $12 per hour for their service. Employers are required by state law to grant paid time off for election duty, with the option to deduct the election work pay from the paid time off.
Power the Polls, a national initiative launched in 2020 to recruit election workers, commends Nebraska's approach for ensuring diversity among poll workers and attracting younger individuals to participate. The draft system helps in recruiting tech-savvy workers, a crucial need as election-related technology advances nationwide.
Many residents, like Dawn O'Brien, who initially felt overwhelmed by the election duty, have come to appreciate the importance of civic service. O'Brien, now a regular volunteer, acknowledges the significant effort required to conduct free and fair elections and takes pride in contributing to democracy.
Nebraska's mandatory election duty serves as a unique model that promotes civic engagement and upholds the democratic process, setting it apart from other states' methods of recruiting election workers.
