(Posted March 8, 2018)
By Christine Bryant, Staff Writer
The Madison County Board of Elections is in need of workers to ensure each polling location is adequately staffed for the May 8 primary election.
Currently, the board has 38 of the nearly 100 poll worker positions filled.
Mark Erbaugh, deputy director of the Madison County Board of Elections, says 98 precinct election officials (PEOs) are required for the six polling locations in the county: 28 at London High School, 20 each at Jonathan Alder High School and West Jefferson High School, 12 each at the Mount Sterling Community Center and Choctaw Lake Lodge, and six at Madison-Plain Intermediate School.
“In addition to the 98 PEOs, we need alternates who can step in at the last minute if someone can’t serve on Election Day,” Erbaugh said.
In order to serve as an election official, residents must attend a three-hour training session, and on Election Day must work from 5:30 a.m. to around 9 p.m. Training sessions start March 12 and are scheduled throughout the month, with sessions tailored to specific jobs PEOs will conduct while working.
The minimum PEO pay is $111 per election. Those who work receive $10 for attending training, and additional pay is available for those who take on more tasks, allowing PEOs to earn up to $136 per election, Erbaugh said.
“Alternates who are not needed receive $25 for keeping the day open, plus the $10 for training,” Erbaugh said.
Duties vary, but generally include picking up supplies at the Board of Elections office prior to the election, setting up supplies at the polling location, using an iPad to sign in voters, selecting the appropriate ballot from a supply of ballots, collecting ballot stubs from voters, counting the used and unused ballots, repacking election materials and returning supplies to the Board of Elections office on election night.
PEOs must be registered voters in Madison County and at least 18 years old, Erbaugh said.
“They must be able to read, write and speak English fluently,” he said. “They cannot have been convicted of a felony or any violation of election laws.”
PEOs also cannot serve at a polling location where they or a close relative are on the ballot, he said.
Experienced precinct election officials will work with and supervise new PEOs.
Those interested should contact the Madison County Board of Elections at (740) 852-9424 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Staff members will answer questions and assign individuals to a polling location, as well as coordinate a time for training.
