Importance of Poll Workers Highlighted on National Poll Worker Recruitment Day

File photo: Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox at the Marion County Election Center in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

August 1 is the fourth annual National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. The day was established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) in 2020 to raise awareness about the importance of poll work and inspire others to volunteer.

“Poll workers are essential to our voting process, playing a pivotal role in the success of our elections. Volunteering as a poll worker is an impactful way for Americans to serve their country and communities,” said EAC Chairman Ben Hovland. “The EAC aims to support state and local election officials in their recruitment efforts, address poll worker shortages, and engage new generations with National Poll Worker Recruitment Day.”

Poll workers set up polling places, greet voters, verify voter registrations, and issue ballots. Poll workers also assist voters with understanding the voting process by demonstrating the use of voting equipment and explaining voting procedures.

According to a media release by local Supervisor of Election, Wesley Wilcox, “ensuring a sufficient number of poll workers is essential to providing voters with the assistance they need and ensuring a smooth voting experience for all.

“We are excited to recognize and participate in National Poll Worker Recruitment Day to help bring awareness to the nationwide poll worker shortage ahead of the election in November and to help inspire civic engagement and volunteerism to encourage people to sign up to serve their community,” said Wilcox in an issued statement.

If you are interested in serving as an election worker, please visit VoteMarion.gov or HelpAmericaVote.gov to learn more.