CLAY COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — With Tuesday being National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, many election officials across the state and nation are asking residents to consider helping future elections run smoothly by becoming poll workers.
Clay County Election Clerk Anola Gallion explained that it takes about 85 workers to run an election in the county.
“We were told at a conference back in 2020 that, at that time, the average age of a poll worker in Indiana was 72,” Said Gallion. “So it really is the older population that bears the brunt of this civic responsibility. And Indiana is trying to work really hard to get younger people involved.”
Part of that effort is through a program called Hoosier Hall Pass which allows high school students aged 16 and 17, to work as poll workers on election day. Gallion said that Clay county had one student working the polls in 2020’s election.
Those interested in registering to become a poll worker can contact their county’s board of elections office for more information.