Many municipalities in the Czech Republic are facing difficulties in filling election commission positions. According to “Martin Šálek, spokesman for Prague 8,” potential members are often deterred by the significant time commitment and relatively low compensation. “Usually, interested parties are not more likely. They often give up their participation after finding out what all the work entails – a large time range, a low cash reward. The one who works in the commission must basically entertain him,” Šálek stated.

The workload includes extended hours and meticulous attention to detail, leading some municipalities to rely on their own employees to fill the necessary roles.

The compensation for election commission members was last adjusted in 2018, wiht a subsequent exemption from income tax in 2023. Currently, commission members receive 1800 crowns, while vice-chairpersons and recorders receive 2100 crowns.The chairperson receives 2200 crowns.

these amounts translate to approximately 100 crowns per hour for members and 122 crowns per hour for chairpersons, which some view as insufficient for the extensive time commitment required.

Polling stations are scheduled to open on Friday, October 4th, at 2 PM and close at 10 PM, resuming on Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM, followed by vote counting. “For smaller districts, there is an average of about five.Training for the chairman and vice -chairman needs to be completed before the elections lasts at least an hour,” added “Karel Holý,” the secretary of the Municipal Office Jindřichův Hradec. Members also participate in pre-election preparations and room setup.

Proposed Compensation Increase

“Therefore,in the draft decree with effect from January next year,it proposes to increase the rewards,” said “Malá.”

Along with the base compensation, election commission members are entitled to time off from work and wage compensation. Self-employed individuals can apply for a lump-sum compensation for lost earnings, currently set at 43 crowns per hour, with a daily maximum of 340 crowns.

While the state determines the base remuneration, some municipalities, such as Prague 6 and Prague 4, supplement these payments with additional funds, offering an extra 1000 crowns and 1500 crowns per person, respectively.

According to a “Hana” spokesperson, the “Ministry of the Interior” acknowledges the need for increased compensation. “Therefore, in the draft decree with effect from January next year, it proposes to increase the rewards,” said “Malá.”

The ministry anticipates timely approval of the decree,ensuring that commission members receive higher compensation during the upcoming Senate and municipal elections.

Under the proposed changes, chairpersons and recorders would receive 3500 crowns, vice-chairpersons 3000 crowns, and ordinary members 2500 crowns. The compensation for lost profits for self-employed individuals would also increase to 112 crowns per hour, with a daily maximum of 900 crowns.

Most political groups seeking representation in the House of Deputies have already finalized their commission applications. While some municipalities have reached full capacity, others continue to seek additional members. Interested individuals can find more facts on the websites of municipalities and municipal authorities.

To be eligible for the election commission, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have permanent or temporary residency in the Czech republic, not be running in the elections, and have no criminal record.