Election Workers Still In Need

Local elections officials say they continue to need election day workers.

Election administrators we spoke to said numerous workers have declined this year because of COVID.

White County Elections Administrator Dorcas Marcum said she wants people to still apply and get training in case anyone gets sick. Marcum said word of mouth and the state’s portal is helping her keep enough workers.

“If anybody is interested in that, they can go to the GoVoteTN.com and apply that way,” Marcum said. “I’m gonna try to work as many people as I can and we also plan on having some standby workers.”

Clay County Elections Administrator Wanda Daniels said she had five workers come from the state portal. Which is something Daniels said was a useful tool at a time when it’s hard to get workers.

“We also got some on standby in case, you know, somebody gets sick or at the last minute gets sick, or calls it off and say they don’t want to help or something,” Daniels said.

Overton County Elections Administrator Craig Story said even though he feels he has the workers he needs right now, anything can happen.

“If we can get somebody to fill it and have some people in reserve, because we know from past elections that we’re always gonna have people that are gonna drop out, life happens and we’re gonna need to fill some spots, so we’re still gonna be looking for some people to help us.”

Overton County is planning to hold two instruction schools, and will bring people who are selected in for individual training to creating a large group during the pandemic. White County does not have a date set for training, but training will be an hour and include precinct specific training. Clay County is planning to hold another training day on November 2nd, the day before the general election. Pickett County is planning to hold a training day on October 31st

To become a poll worker, residents should contact their county election office or visit GoVoteTN.com to apply.