Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter (D-Syracuse) announced that her bill to allow election inspectors to split shifts was signed into law (Ch. 293 of 2017).

“We would not be able to exercise our right to vote without the help of the workers who make sure our elections are run smoothly,” said Hunter. “They work such long hours, and until now, working partial days was not possible. Offering a more flexible schedule and reasonable work requirements will help us recruit more poll workers.”

With polls open for 15 hours for general elections, election inspectors have had to put in extremely long days, considering they need to be at polls to help set up and close down as well. It has been increasingly difficult to find workers for elections, and the long hours are especially hard on senior citizens, who are eager to help out and serve, noted Hunter. The law allows election inspectors to split shifts and prorates their compensation accordingly.