More Election Workers Needed In Putnam County

The Putnam County Election Commission needs more workers for the presidential preference and county primary election.

Election Administrator Debbie Steidl said the commission approved 200 workers last month, but many of those people can no longer work the March 3 election.

“That means that we need to get new people in and train them to be able to do these jobs,” Steidl said. “Just the flow of people coming in and out of our office is not enough for us to hire enough people.”

Workers receive $100 a day, plus $15 for attending training. Steidl said Tennessee does allow 17-year-old students to work the elections.

“You just have to fill out a form and your teachers fills out a form as part of a recommendation for you,” Steidl said. “We use them as poll pad workers, but we often use students as machine operators.”

You can pick up an application at the Election Commission Office at 705 County Service Drive. Steidl said applications can also be found on their website.

“Coming in and talking is a really good way for us to get to know you a little bit,” Steidl said. “It gives us an idea of what might be the best place to out you at.”

Steidl said she’s hoping to hire at least 20 workers before early voting begins on February 12.