TAIPEI (TVBS News) — As Taiwan gears up for the 2024 National Elections, the challenge of recruiting sufficient poll workers is emerging. Recent changes in laws and regulations now permit greater public participation in polling stations, requiring only a third of the staff to be public servants.
Although increased salaries have made it easier to recruit poll workers, disparities in workload between urban and rural polling stations pose another challenge.
Huang Yao-chang, Deputy Director-General of the New Taipei City Election Commission, noted that tasks for poll workers in remote areas are simpler compared to those in metropolitan areas. For the 2024 presidential election, New Taipei City plans to open 2,681 polling stations, up by 122 from 2020.
Despite the challenges, New Taipei City has successfully filled all election staff positions, thanks to higher salaries and relaxed eligibility criteria for poll workers.
However, issues like stress, responsibility, and early morning hours might deter potential recruits. "In past heated elections, concerns about election disputes were common," said Tu Sheng-tsung, chairman of the Department of Radio and Television at Ming Chuan University.
As the population continues to decline, the recruitment of election workers may become increasingly difficult due to a lack of willingness.
Chen Jhih-ying, head of Huaxing Village, advocates for more active promotion of poll worker roles, while Huang suggests the central government should address the issue of unequal pay for similar work to attract more people to these positions.
