Rays to offer staff paid time off to volunteer as poll workers

In recognition of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, the Tampa Bay Rays — as part of #TeamTampaBay — will offer its staff paid time off to volunteer as a poll worker.

The full press release is as follows:

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#TeamTampaBay, a group consisting of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Rowdies and USF Athletics, announced today that they will be participating in National Poll Worker Recruitment Day on September 1 to encourage more people to sign up to become election workers for the November election. Each organization will offer its staff paid time off to volunteer as a poll worker.

Established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, National Poll Worker Recruitment Day aims to raise awareness about the benefits and importance of poll working and inspire more Americans to volunteer.

Amid COVID-19, America is facing a critical shortage of poll workers. Even as many states expand access to vote-by-mail and absentee voting options, millions of Americans – especially voters with disabilities and those who lack reliable mail service – will continue to rely on in-person voting to cast a ballot.

“Time and time again, Team Tampa Bay has come together to support important initiatives, and in this case, it’s to actively support the democratic process by offering our organizations’ employees paid time off to become a poll worker during this election cycle,” said Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director Rob Higgins. “We all feel that volunteering to become a poll worker is a great way to strengthen our democracy, help ensure free and fair elections, and most importantly, allow for vulnerable people to stay home.”

Most poll workers have traditionally been over the age of 61, making them especially vulnerable to complications if they contract COVID-19. This has resulted in a critical need for poll workers who are willing and able to assist with the administration of in-person voting on Election Day.

“It’s wonderful to see the community coming together to encourage a deeper participation in our elections,” said Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer. “Besides providing a valuable service, working on Election Day gives our citizens a better understanding of the elections process and more confidence in the outcomes.”

By encouraging more people to become poll workers in their communities, National Poll Worker Recruitment Day aims to address the critical shortage of poll workers, strengthen our democracy, inspire greater civic engagement and volunteerism, and help ensure free and fair elections in November and beyond.

Join #TeamTampaBay and add your name to the list of companies below offering their employees paid time off to volunteer as a poll worker.

Participating Organizations:

• Alleviate Pain
• AMGEN
• Caldwell Management Solutions
• CASA – End Violence: Stand Up To Silence
• City of Tampa
• Contemporary Housing Alternatives of Florida
• Feeding Tampa Bay
• Glenda Sparrow Coaching & Consulting
• Grow Financial
• Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services
• Hillsborough County Government
• Homeowners Financial Group
• Homes By WestBay
• Integral Energy
• Mindful Movement Florida/Sizemore Productions
• National Association of Real Estate Brokers Tampa Chapter
• Northwestern Mutual Greater Tampa Bay
• OAI Visual Branding
• Red Tent Women’s Initiative
• Sherpa Wealth Partners
• South Tampa Chamber of Commerce
• St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce
• St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership
• St. Petersburg EDC
• St. Petersburg Health and Wellness
• State of Florida
• Tampa Bay Chamber
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Tampa Bay EDC
• Tampa Bay Lightning
• Tampa Bay Partnership
• Tampa Bay Rays
• Tampa Bay Rowdies
• Tampa Bay Sports Commission
• Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Association Office
• TechData
• Ultimate Medical Academy
• United Way Suncoast
• USF Athletics

More about poll working and National Poll Worker Recruitment Day is available at HelpAmericaVote.gov.