The Horry County Democratic Party encourages Democrats throughout the county to consider becoming poll workers. Having qualified workers from a variety of backgrounds and political affiliations helps maintain a professional, welcoming and nonpartisan environment at every polling location.
Horry County has 125 voting precincts that must be staffed for each election, including primaries, special elections and general elections. Because of the number of locations and elections held throughout the year, trained poll workers are consistently needed.
During a recent meeting at HCDP headquarters, several Democratic poll workers discussed why they chose to serve. Their reasons included fulfilling a civic responsibility, working alongside a dedicated team, meeting and assisting voters and encouraging others to become involved. Some were recruited specifically to work at early-voting locations, primary-election sites or both. Several married couples also serve together at the same polling place.
Working at the polls requires a commitment to a long election day, but poll workers are compensated for their service. Some employers may also provide paid leave for employees who participate in public service activities.
The late Pushpa Rani Saxena, a naturalized United States citizen who served as a poll worker for 20 years, exemplified this spirit of public service. A memorial tribute noted that many voters in her precinct found comfort in seeing her when they arrived to cast their ballots. Her contributions are also recognized with a plaque on a bridge at Coastal Carolina University, where her husband served as chair of the mathematics department.
The Horry County Voter Registration and Elections Commission states:
The Horry County Voter Registration and Election Commission is always looking for qualified Poll Managers to staff precincts throughout Horry County.
Those interested in serving may visit the commission’s website to apply to be a Poll Manager or for additional information, you can call (843) 915-5440.
To learn more about poll work from the perspective of a local Democratic volunteer, read our 2024 article, A Democrat Explains Poll Work: Opportunities Available.
Free copies of the South Carolina Poll Manager’s Handbook are available at the HCDP office. The handbook may also be viewed and downloaded here.
Becoming a poll worker is a meaningful way to support the democratic process, assist neighbors and help ensure that elections in Horry County are conducted efficiently, fairly and professionally.
