County to pay special election poll workers with debit cards
Controller Corey O’Connor said it will save money and provide a better experience for the poll workers.
Controller Corey O’Connor said it will save money and provide a better experience for the poll workers.
Allegheny County will utilize debit cards to pay workers at polling places for today’s special election in the state House 35th District.
The Office of Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor announced in a news release that it will use debit cards instead of sending paper checks in the mail. “I am pleased that we are expanding this innovative effort to reduce taxpayer costs and provide an improved experience for our Election Day workers, and I thank the many members of my office and other county departments who have collaborated to allow us to reach this point,” O’Connor stated. “The experiences of workers receiving debit cards has been positive thus far, and the feedback we receive following this special election will inform our next steps as we consider expanding this initiative to regularly scheduled elections.”
The county will use Court-Funds, a payment solution company that disburses payments through prepaid debit cards and other forms, largely for court and judicial systems. The county pays a $2 fee per card.
If the payment process were to be implemented county wide, officials said it would save an estimated $80,000 per year, eliminating the need to send out paper checks to 14,000 poll workers.
According to the county website, poll workers receive $150 to $175 per day for their efforts.
The county will issue the debit cards to each worker today, but the funds will not be available “until required documentation from election officials is received.”
The debit cards can be used in point-of-sale payments, to draw cash from participating banks and transfer the funds to a bank account without fees, according to the county. If a poll worker loses a card, it can be replaced for free.
“Along with saving money, we believe this initia- tive can improve the service we provide to our dedicated polling place workers, who work long and demanding days for minimal reward,” O’Connor said. “They deserve our most sincere thanks and the best experience we are able to provide.”
The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.
Republican Chuck Davis, Democrat Dan Goughnour and Libertarian Adam Kitta are on the ballot to fill the vacancy in the state House created by the death of McKeesport Democrat Matthew Gergely.
The 35th Legislative District includes McKeesport, White Oak, West Mifflin (districts 3,4 and 15), Clairton, Duquesne, Homestead, Munhall, Liberty, Lincoln, Port Vue, Versailles, West Homestead and Whitaker.
