Work at the Polls Election Day

Secretary of State Betty Ireland has teamed up with West Virginia’s community and technical colleges to offer a new opportunity to its students and to help alleviate a shortage of poll workers on Election Day.

The Sigma Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa will be sponsoring the one-hour training at 11 a.m. on Nov. 15 in Room 0102A.

Expecting future poll-worker shortages due to an aging West Virginia population, the Secretary of State’s office will work with each community and technical college to recruit, encourage and train students to become poll workers.

The training will address election procedures, the responsibilities of handling ballots, and the resolution of common problems at the polls. It will not replace the training county clerks do for poll workers at election time.

“One of the goals for my administration has always been to have a well-educated staff in order to provide the best customer service to our citizens,” said Secretary Ireland. “Our customers are those who vote, and they deserve the best service we can provide.”

Students who choose to become poll workers will complete the full poll-worker training course with their county clerk and, if selected, will be paid for their service on Election Day. “This is a great way for students to serve their community and make some money at the same time,” said Ireland.