CLAY COUNTY ( KFDX/KJTL ) — Early voting is one of the easiest ways to ensure a smooth election day for voters, but the increase in ways to vote puts a strain on the limited number of election workers.

Officials say the biggest challenge is getting younger people to work the polls, they believe a lot of it is rooted in the misconception that this is a volunteer position, but they want to stress that election workers actually do get paid an hourly rate.

With less than a week before early voting begins, local officials are working hard to ensure that every polling location is fully staffed and that all voters can cast their ballots without any delays or inconveniences.

In Clay County, officials have extended hours. Polling locations are open from 7 to 7 Monday through Saturday, and on Sunday, they will be open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There will even be curbside voting for disabled voters, giving residents flexibility to cast their ballots. All you need is a form of ID. Aside from all of these additions, elections administrator, Val McClain says the lack of people wanting to work the polls is becoming a bigger problem each election.

“Regulations are getting so high and there’s so much more paperwork, so many more chain of custody, stuff like that, not to mention just the electronics themselves. A lot of your older workers, which is what your workers are, are going. It’s just too much nowadays”, McClain said.

Election workers are eligible for several different tasks, from checking in to closing down the poll, but all positions are paid, and training is provided to prepare for the job.

“We do on-hand training with mock elections pretty much all through the month of August and early September. Basically, they can come in and just kind of work an election from receiving the equipment the day before to setting it up for the day, and then closing it, you know, checking in voters, voting ballots, and then closing the polls at the end of the night,” McClain said.

With so much scrutiny and accusations of rigged elections and foul play at polls, Henrietta has made sure to heighten security.

“I’ve spoken with the DPS troopers, our local sheriff’s office, and our local constable. They’re going to increase patrols around the polling location and make their presence seen a lot more. So, they’re really stepping up to help us out,” McClain said.

As election day approaches, poll workers are encouraging residents to participate in early voting to avoid the long lines on election day.

To become a Clay County Poll worker, contact (940) 538-4631 .

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