As November approaches, we’re facing a critical shortage of poll workers around the country. This shortage will impact our ability to vote. During the primary season, we saw the number of polling places shrink dramatically. Many of those closures were fueled by staffing shortages. Historically, U.S. elections have relied heavily on volunteers who are 65 and older. The pandemic has created an unprecedented crisis as this population stays home en masse to avoid COVID-19. No matter how many voters are registered, the election can’t function without poll workers. Even with exponential growth in mail voting, more than half the electorate will likely vote in person this year.
Clarkson University is committed to supporting poll worker recruitment efforts around the county. Signing up to work the polls can increase access while reducing communities’ risk of COVID-19 exposure by enabling a larger number of polling places to stay open. This is a moment of unprecedented need, but also an opportunity to transform the way we operate and think about our polling places in the future. A larger, more inclusive and diverse election staff is good for democracy.
So, what can we do? Consider volunteering to work as an election poll inspector as community service. Student clubs and organizations can represent themselves well by signing up to work the election polls this fall.
Learn about St. Lawrence County’s election poll worker recruitment and sign up here.
Learn more about New York’s election poll worker recruitment here.
Students can sign up at PowerThePolls.org to learn more about becoming an election poll worker.
Together we can help ensure people’s access to voting and create a more sustainable election landscape for years to come.
For information about how to protect yourself at the polls, check out the CDC’s considerations for polling locations and voters.