Recruiting poll workers for Election Day

Election Day is quickly approaching and features some key races that will bring voters to the polls in the Twin Cities.

Poll workers make sure things run smoothly, and the Minnesota Secretary of State is encouraging more Minnesotans to sign up to help, including those who’ve done it in the past and younger people.

"These are your friends and neighbors," Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon said. "The people who do this job are people who are committed to civic engagement, people who are committed to voting. It’s not a volunteer position — a lot of people think it is, it’s not — it’s a paid gig."

While it’s a smaller election year, Simon expects about 5,000 workers will still be needed to keep Election Day running smoothly. He also acknowledged some of the challenges keeping some people away, such as COVID-19 concerns and the volatile political climate.

Simon says the more people that help out, the easier it will be to keep polling places operating well.

One person who will be helping in Ramsey County told KSTP she feels it’s important to be involved.

"I can’t emphasize enough how hard we poll workers work to make sure everything is being done exactly as it’s supposed to be," Tracy Lamparty said.

Lamparty noted she sees many of the same people participating year after year. Poll workers do have to complete some training before they can start.

To get involved, contact your local polling place.