Warner and County Clerks Celebrate August 1 as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day – Real WV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The state of West Virginia has again partnered with county clerks, the U.S. Elections Assistance Commission (EAC) and other states this year in a nationwide recruitment campaign for poll workers ahead of the 2024 general election.

According to Secretary of State Mac Warner, National Poll Worker Recruitment Day is a national effort to address the ongoing need for poll workers and to encourage community involvement. Warner’s board has been nationally recognized for its efforts over the past seven years in working with veterans groups, the WV Board of Realtors, and students to recruit poll workers.

“Polling workers are critical to facilitating the election process and building voter confidence,” said Secretary Warner. “To ensure we have accessible, secure and accurate elections, we must fully staff every polling place with trained poll workers.”

Since 2020, the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office has been working with the EAC and other stakeholders to promote National Poll Worker Recruitment Day and encourage registered voters to be poll workers for early voting and on Election Day. There are currently 1,704 polling places across West Virginia, requiring more than 8,000 poll workers to adequately, safely and securely operate those places on Election Day.

“Being a paid poll worker is a great way to participate in our democracy here in West Virginia,” Warner said. “The safest way to vote confidentially, free from any undue influence or intimidation, is to do so at a polling place staffed by trained poll workers selected by the political parties. Ensuring there are enough poll workers to assist voters is always a priority for the Secretary of State’s office and county clerks.”

Poll workers in West Virginia must be registered voters. Individuals who volunteer to be poll workers in their home county are paid a fee set by the county commission for their services.

Secretary Warner is asking all registered voters in West Virginia who would like to learn more about becoming a poll worker for the upcoming November 5 general election to complete the short and easy Poll Worker Application Form on or before August 1.

For more information about elections in West Virginia, including voter registration and mail-in ballots, contact your county clerk or visit the West Virginia Secretary of State’s secure website at GoVoteWV.com.