(PENSACOLA) --- Kimberly Wendt will tell exactly why she has manned the Escambia County election polls for the last four years.
“It is important for things to run smoothly and to have a good outcome with election results,” Wendt said. “For all of us to get along with our coworkers and for God to bless our nation.”
Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender agrees.
Bender bowed his head in prayer, led by the Women for Responsible Legislation, recently, recalling how “In God We Trust” became very real for him when his name was on the ballot for District 4 Commissioner, before his current appointed post by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2024.
(Photo: Women for Responsible Legislation pray over Escambia County Elections this season)
“You have the butterflies and the unknowns, so I asked God,” Bender said. “When I made my decision to actually run, it gave me a sense of peace, and I have to remember to have that.”
Wendt is an answered prayer to the poll worker call, bringing her faith to the ballot box regardless of the state of affairs. She said she decided to apply in 2021 to help drive positive change.
“I wanted to know more about the community and how government works,” Wendt said.
That knowledge has literally paid off, earning Wendt more than a $ 200-a-day stipend when scheduled. Wendt has also climbed the poll ranks, now an EvID supervisor working alongside the clerk. Wendt will be responsible for troubleshooting, checking in voters, and verifying their eligibility. EVid also prevents fraud found in paper logs.
(Photo: Escambia County Elections video)
Bender broke down the financials, noting that early-voting election workers get paid hourly.
“It starts at $200 for the day, which also includes your training prior to the election, and then goes up based on the number of hours,” Bender said, adding that some get paid more due to the position and responsibilities. “I think we probably tap out about $265 a day, but it is up from about $150 in 2024.”
Though the hours can be long, it is well worth being part of a transparent election, according to Wendt. Transparency is key, and all the more reason for Bender to hold public forums explaining the audit process.
“We encourage people to learn more about the elections and what we're using,” Bender said, noting Escambia County tabulators' audit system has gone through an independent review by the state.
(Photo: Escambia County Elections Supervisor Robert Bender holding public forum on election process)
“Tests performed are specific to the way Florida jurisdictions use their systems, and that says Florida logic and accuracy tests require systems to read more than 600,000 ballots with nearly 33 million ballot positions without error,” Bender said.
Wendt waits anxiously for the season to start, saying poll work is another way for her to connect with the community and encourages others to do the same.
Bender also encourages the public to apply, even creating a 2026 video informing applicants of the full process involved.
“We're still in our election worker drive, and we have some information sessions in the next couple of weeks,” Bender said. “If they want to come to one of those and just learn more about being an election worker, please call the office.”
(Photo: Escambia County Supervisor Robert Bender's personal business card offering number to call to apply)
And as for the big day at the ballot box, Bender’s faith remains unwavering.
“I know that they're always bigger things out there for Him to keep His hand over us as we go through our duties and to look out for everyone who's involved is something great to remember,” Bender said.
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