Poll Worker Mobilization and Recruitment: Two Field Experiments to Increase Participation Rates

Abstract

We present the first field experiments on how local election officials can recruit and mobilize more voters to serve as poll workers. We used two field experiments to examine the effect of different methods and messaging on poll worker recruitment. In Study 1, we find that outreach by local election officials to people who previously served as poll workers may have increased participation rates compared with the control group. In Study 2, registered voters who had not previously served as poll workers were more likely to participate relative to a control group when treated by a recruitment mailer. Study 2 further shows that male, female, and older registered voters are more likely to participate as poll workers after they receive a recruitment mailer. The treatment effects were strongest for males and those aged 66 and older.