Poll Workers Still Await Payment Months After General Election

Poll workers who staffed the November 2024 General Election have yet to receive full payment for their work, with some still awaiting funds more than three months later. Frustrated by the lack of communication, several workers have reached out to the media, seeking clarity on when they will be paid and why they were not notified earlier about the delays.

Supervisor of Elections Caroline Fawkes confirmed to the Source that while $400,000 was allocated for the election, not all payments can be released until the Finance Department has the necessary funds. Each poll worker is classified as an independent vendor with a unique vendor number, and while some have been paid, others remain in limbo, she said.

“I know they were hoping that since it’s tax time, more revenues would be coming in between January and April,” Fawkes said, noting that she has been in regular contact with senators and has been advocating for a resolution within the Office of Management and Budget and Finance for the past three months. Cash flow remains tight, and poll workers are in line alongside other vendors awaiting payment, she added.

“This is the worst I’ve ever seen during an election cycle,” Fawkes added, stating that payments have been processed but still require final release from the Finance Department.