Wayne County Board of Elections seeks poll workers for Nov. 4

The Wayne County Board of Elections is seeking poll workers for the Nov. 4 election.

“Our poll workers are the ones who make elections happen,” said Kim Wilson, election operations manager. “We might be the quarterbacks, but our workers are the team.”

At least 268 volunteers are needed to staff all the precincts in Wayne County.

While the sun is still warm and days are long, it may be challenging to think about November. However, early confirmation of volunteers for Election Day helps the BOE know how many workers it has.

Paid volunteers don’t have to be affiliated with a political party but must be registered to vote. Seventeen-year-olds also can be poll workers on Election Day.

Employers and schools are usually required to allow time off for poll workers. Some companies may offer paid time off, and students may be able to receive extra credit or community service hours for helping support the democratic process.

Election workers set up and tear down the voting equipment and check in voters as they come to vote. In the afternoon or evening before Election Day, poll workers go to their assigned polling place for about an hour to set up. On Election Day the hours are 5 a.m. to around 8:30 p.m. or later.

Training is required and is paid. Prior to working, volunteers must attend a three-hour training class. Poll workers are paid $123 for working on Election Day and $30 for attending the training session. Training classes are scheduled Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. and Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. at the board of elections office in Wooster.

Volunteers may email wayne@ohiosos.gov or call 330-287-5480 to sign up or for more information. Anyone interested in volunteering who is unable to attend the currently scheduled trainings should contact the BOE and inquire further.