More than half of the poll workers for this year's elections volunteered. According to the Superior Electoral Court, of the 1.7 million people summoned to serve as poll workers, two-thirds volunteered to perform the function. The number represents more than one million people who decided, on their own, to participate in organizing the elections, an increase of more than 153,000 volunteers compared to the 2022 elections. The scenario contrasts with the past, when being summoned as a poll worker was the subject of jokes and mean comments, and people tried to skip work on election day.
Vinícius Ávila, chief clerk of an electoral zone in Minas Gerais, says that at the unit where he works, there weren't enough positions this year for everyone who sought the Electoral Justice. The voluntary demand has been so great that many interested people couldn't be accommodated in the available positions.
The Electoral Justice has a deadline set by legislation to summon poll workers, which begins in early August. Therefore, those who seek the position outside this period may encounter difficulties being added to the election workers roster.
