Marshall County is in need of poll workers in time for the May 14 primary election.
County Clerk Connie Howard is looking ahead, and she sees the county is going to be at least 20 to 25 poll workers short for the election. There are 35 voting precincts in Marshall County, and the goal is to have at least five poll workers at each precinct -- for a total of at least 175.
But Howard said that, during presidential election years, she also likes to place a second election clerk at each precinct, bringing the total of poll workers desired to more than 200.
Those working elections in Marshall County are paid $300 for their effort, and that includes the wage for attending a required class prior to the election and working a very long day on Election Day. That day typically begins at 5:30 a.m. -- an hour before polls open -- and extends through 8 p.m., 30 minutes after polls close.
"Over the years, our regular poll workers -- the older ones -- have dropped off because of the long day," Howard said. "But we've never had so many positions open as we have now.
"We're short about 20 to 25 people, and that's higher than I like. I know we will have the inevitable decline as we get closer to Election Day."
A number of poll workers often call off due to illness or other reasons as Election Day gets closer, according to Howard. She noted she has contacted John Marshall High School civics teacher Josh Geary about doing a presentation there to register students to vote and ask them about being poll workers. She suspects Geary will know of at least a few students who will be interested.
Howard also plans to contact Cameron High School regarding plans for student registration and a discussion about being poll workers.
An equal number of Republicans and Democrats are needed to work the polls, and she said both parties typically are very good about providing lists of interested poll workers. This year both lists came up short.
"It is a long day, and I understand why people may not want to do it," Howard said. "But hopefully there are a few people out there who need the money."
Those interested in being a poll worker in Marshall County should contact the clerk's office at 304-845-1220 and ask for Toni Chieffalo.