Protect Democracy: Become an Elections Officer

The Lynchburg Electoral Board and the Registrar run elections in Lynchburg.  To assist us, we have "Election Officers," who receive a small stipend of $145 per election plus additional pay of $25 for training sessions.  These Election Officers are registered voters in Virginia who are either nominated by one of the two political parties or who are volunteers or recruited by the Electoral Board.  These election officers will serve at the general election in the fall, November 5th this year, as well as at primary and/or special elections and are appointed to a term of three years and any further terms to which they are appointed.  It is not mandatory that an Election Officer serve at each election during his or her terms, but it is certainly appreciated and encouraged.  Their Election Day hours typically are from 4:45 or 5:00 a.m. before the polls open at 6 p.m. until just after 7:00 p.m. when the polls closed, with breaks on-site during the day.

To the extent possible, the Virginia law sets a goal of Election Officers from each party at each precinct in the City - 18 in all, as well as the Central Precinct at the Registrar's Office.  At this point, we seem to have the largest number of Election Officers who have designated themselves as Non-affiliated, with Republicans next and then Democrats..  We need more of a balance, if possible, to ensure that all of us see that the election process is transparent and fair.  Most of all, with that number of precincts and typically 5 Election Officers at each precinct, we constantly need an ample list of potential Election Officers.

As the Chair of the Electoral Board and the designated Democrat on the Board, I ask that you consider signing up to be an Election Officer, whether with a Non-affiliated or Party affiliation.  It is a truly civic endeavor, very satisfying, with the opportunity to help all of us vote and be heard on Election Day.  To do so, please fill out and send the attached form to the Registrar's Office at the address on the form.

Thank you!
David Levy, Chair
Lynchburg Electoral Board