Election Commission seeking poll workers ahead of November election

Published 9:33 am Tuesday, August 18, 2020

By Anna Kate Doiron | The Vicksburg Post

 

With the Nov. 3 general election less than three months away, Warren County election commissioners are preparing to deal with not only the traffic of voters going to the polls but taking precautions against potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

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Election Commission Chairman Sara Dionne said commissioners have been planning ahead for the election, but there is a problem. Not only are commissioners short of their usual 170 poll workers due to concerns of the virus, but they also need an additional 23 people to work as “COVID cleaners.”

As part of their preparations, the election commission has been stocking up on personal protection equipment, hand sanitizer, masks, sanitizing wipes and Q-Tips that will be used by voters on the voting machine touchscreens. Plans are also in development to limit the number of voters allowed in the building at one time, and Dionne said there is some discussion to provide face shields to poll workers and others.

Anyone interested in becoming poll workers must be 18 years or older and registered to vote in Warren County. They can find an application on Warren County’s website at co.warren.ms.us.

The commission also offers an unpaid internship for high school juniors and seniors and can provide community service hours.

Potential student interns must have a recommendation from their high school principal or a teacher, but they are also encouraged to reach out to Dionne for information at sdionne@co.warren.ms.us. All workers and interns will attend a four-hour training prior to election day.

Dionne recommended voters prepare for election day by visiting the “Y’all Vote MS” website to make any necessary revisions such as changes in name or address. Changes must be made by Oct. 1.

The deadline to register to vote in person is Oct. 5. For more information, call the Warren County Circuit Clerk’s office at (601) 636-3961.

 

Anna Kate is a graduate of St. Aloysius High School and a student at the University of Mississippi. She has contributed to The Post over the past few weeks as an intern staff writer.