The Marshall County Election Board conducted Poll Worker Training this week on Wednesday. Two sessions were offered, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The Democrat and Republic party chairmen, by state statute are to get the workers for in the polling sites. They have until April 17th to fill the spots and after that date the County Clerk can fill the vacancies. Election Board member and County Clerk Deb VanDeMark said, “We need 7 poll workers at each of the 12 voting centers.”
While Marshall County isn’t facing the issues that some area counties are getting the needed poll workers, VanDeMark said, “It is a struggle, a big struggle.”
In Marshall County the County Council approved a pay increase for the 2018 budget. Inspectors are paid $120 for the day which starts at 5 a.m. and they will be at their vote centers until all the machines are closed and brought back to the Clerk’s Office. They estimated that to be between 6:30 and 7 if everything goes smoothly. The opposite judge, which is a democrat, is paid $110 for the day. Their position has some responsibilities working with the inspector to wrap up voting at the end of the day. The judges, clerks and assistant clerks each make $100 per day. Poll works are also paid $20 for the required training and $20 for meal allowance for the day.
Poll workers must be registered voters if they are over the age of 18 and their party affiliation must be determined. The inspectors are all republicans based on which political party holds the Secretary of State elected position. The Judge positions, clerks and assistant clerks are one from each party.
If you are interested in being a poll worker contact County Clerk Deb VanDeMark.
