A need for election poll workers as Election Day approaches

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Election Day is quickly approaching. Potter County and Randal County are actively taking applications for poll workers so Election Day can run as smoothly as possible.

“A poll worker, those are the people that you see when you first walk into a polling place, whether it’s early voting or Election Day,” said Shannon Lackey, Randall County Elections Administrator. “They are the ones that will help you get checked in, verify that you are a registered voter, make sure you have the proper ballot and that you are able to cast your vote.”

Lakcet added that for people looking to work in the polls this election season, Randall County has a few requirements.

“You must be a registered voter in the county for which you wish to serve, that is the first thing. So that does mean you must be at least 18 years old unless you are a high school student. There is a provision in the election code that allows us to employ high school students with the permission of their principal and their parent,” said Lackey. “As long as they are 16, we would love to have them come help us work the polls.”

Lackey said that without the people coming to work the polls each election season, it would not be possible to have a smooth election day.

“I tell each one of my poll workers, I cannot do my job without them. There is no way that every person would be able to cast a ballot without these people stepping up and volunteering their time for training, setting up of the polling places, making sure the laws are enforced,” said Lackey. “They are one of the most important parts of an election, I simply cannot do my job without them.”

Applications to work at the polls in Randall County are up and can be found here.

Potter County Elections Administrator Christy Benge said that poll workers must be registered voters of the county and be 18 years old. Benge added students who are at least 16 years old and have the permission of their principal and parents can also work and get paid.

Potter County is currently taking applications for poll workers and asks that those wanting to work the polls apply as soon as possible. Every poll worker for Potter County will get paid $12/hr.

Applications to work at the polls in Potter County are up and can be found here.

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