Poll workers needed for Nov. 3 election
The West Virginia Secretary of State and the United Way of West Virginia have joined forces to help recruit poll workers for the Nov. 3 election.
United Way is the second organization to partner with the secretary’s office. The West Virginia Real Estate Commission encouraged its members to work the polls in June’s primary election, Secretary of State Mac Warner said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a “critical shortage” of poll workers, according to the U.S. EAC. Traditionally, poll workers tend to be over the age of 61 — which makes them especially vulnerable to the disease.
“If we can help in any way, we want to do so,” said Amanda Posey, director of marketing and communications for United Way of Mon and Preston Counties.
Posey said helping people vote fits the agency’s mission of fighting for the health, education and financial stability of every person in the community.
On Sept. 1, the state will participate in the first National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, Warner said. The day was started by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and has the goal of raising awareness about the benefits and importance of poll workers to inspire people to sign up.
The requirements to be a poll worker are: Be registered to vote in your county; be able to read and write English; attend training; be available to work all of election day.
To sign up as a poll worker, visit govotewv.com.
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