VIGO COUNTY, Ind. — The Vigo County Voter Registration Office will participate in National Poll Worker Recruitment Day Sept. 1 to encourage more people to sign up to become election workers for the November election.
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.
“Poll workers are the unsung heroes of the democratic process, and right now we’re facing a critical shortage of these dedicated volunteers,” EAC Chairman Ben Hovland said. “Recruiting poll workers is a challenge for many election officials across the country and the COVID-19 pandemic has made this need even more critical. We encourage Americans, who are able and willing to serve, to sign up to help America vote and work the polls on Election Day.”
In Vigo County, poll workers specific duties and compensation vary, but all include welcoming voters, verifying registrations and directing voters to ballot scanners.
They also help ensure voters understand the voting process by demonstrating how to use the voting equipment and explaining voting procedures. Locally, the County Election Board and County Clerk’s Office oversee all election staff.
Most poll workers have traditionally been over the age of 65, making them especially vulnerable to complications if they contract COVID-19, resulting in putting our County in a critical need for poll workers who are willing and able to assist with the voting process.
Those interested in assisting are asked to contact the Vigo County Voter Registration Office, 812-462-3393, or you can email to: bob.lawson@vigocounty.in.gov.
To be considered, a person must:
- Be a Registered Voter of Vigo County;
- Basic ability to work with computers;
- Possess reliable transportation;
- The ability to sit/stand for long periods of time;
- Not related to any candidate on the ballot;
- Attend training class and pass a test prior to serving as a poll worker;
- Possess the ability to listen, learn, and get along with other poll workers.
Early voting is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Oct. 6, and will run through Election Day on Nov. 3. Hours for early voting will be 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays (Vigo County Courthouse Annex 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), with two Saturdays.
Election Day hours will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Poll workers must be available for the entire day/week/month to be considered. No split days/hours accepted.
Positions are needed at polls, travel board (teams that go to the voter), and Election Day hourly workers to assist with absentee envelopes, ballot pick-up and ballot check-in.
