Johnson County IT/Network Specialist Scott Henry shows a poll worker how to use a Poll Pad to check in voters during a training session at Grace Assembly of God Church on April 11, 2023.
Daily Journal File Photo
Indiana’s top election official is encouraging eligible Hoosiers to be poll workers for the upcoming November election.
National Poll Worker Recruitment Day is Aug. 1. During this “pivotal” election year, Secretary of State Diego Morales is calling on Hoosiers to consider serving their community and serving as a poll worker for the upcoming general election on Nov. 5, according to a news release.
The state needs as many as 20,000 poll workers to administer efficient, trustworthy elections. Indiana depends citizen poll workers to maintain the integrity and smooth operation of elections, the news release says.
“Recruiting dedicated poll workers is essential for the success of our elections. Elections statewide rely on committed Hoosiers who are helping to ensure every vote is counted accurately and efficiently,” Morales said in the news release. “I urge all eligible Hoosiers to step forward and serve their community in this critical role. Your participation helps uphold the integrity of our electoral process.”
Election officials have also aired poll worker recruitment public service announcements more than 5,000 times on TV and radio stations across the state. Advertisements are also circulating in more than 145 newspapers statewide, they said.
There are two requirements to become a poll worker:
- Be a registered voter and a resident of the county in which you wish to work.
- Be at least 18 years old. Under the Hoosier Hall Pass 16- to 17-year-old students may apply for poll worker positions.
Poll workers are tasked with duties such as setting up and preparing the polling location, welcoming voters, verifying voter registrations, and issuing ballots. Poll workers will receive required training and can earn compensation for Election Day service, depending on the county, the news release says.
In Johnson County, poll workers are paid, local election officials previously said.
Hoosiers interested in signing up to be a poll worker or learning more are encouraged to contact their local election office. In Johnson County, this would be Voter Registration located in the basement of the county courthouse, 5 E. Jefferson St., Franklin; or by phone at 317-346-4467. Residents could also contact their local political party to learn how to get involved.
National Poll Worker Recruitment Day is sponsored by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
