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WHEELING -- Election workers in the Northern Panhandle say they have no immediate need for poll workers as the Nov. 3 presidential election approaches, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't welcome a few extra for when they are needed.
Across the nation, counties are reporting a need for poll workers as many are calling off for the election with COVID-19 concerns.
In West Virginia, county clerks have been given permission to use as few as three workers at each voting location, but most prefer to have four -- two Democrats and two Republicans.
Marshall County Clerk Jan Pest said a number of residents there have stepped forward for the first time and indicated they wish to work at the polls on Election Day.
"I have had volunteers email me and volunteer to be poll workers, which doesn't happen very often," she said. "But we're pretty good right now. We're hoping people stay healthy, and are still able to work."
Marshall County is continuing its plan from the primary election to have most all voting locations in schools, and the locations will be sanitized following the election. Precincts previously in churches or small buildings have been relocated to schools.
The precincts mostly stay the same as they were in the primary election. Precinct 40 previously at St. Joe's Volunteer Fire Department will remain at Cameron High School, and those who voted at St. Jude Hall will vote at John Marshall High School.
The one exception where Marshall County voters won't be casting ballots in a school building is in Benwood.
During the primary election residents there went to McMechen Elementary School to vote, but now their polling place is at the Fellowship Hall in Benwood.
Toni Chieffalo, coordinator of elections in Ohio County, also said there is no immediate need for poll workers there.
"I have a lot of people that signed up that would be new," she said.
Ohio County voters who cast ballots in Precincts 11-13 will do so at the Betty Zane Community Center on Nov. 3. Those who cast ballots at Precinct 31 in Fulton will do so at El Tor Grotto, and that is a permanent change, according to Chieffalo.
Election workers say they won't turn away anyone wanting to be a poll worker.
"Anytime we can get them, we take them. You never know when you are going to need them," said Kim Loudin, deputy clerk in Tyler County. "Right now, we are doing good. All the polls are filled, and we have 10 alternates."
Wetzel County voter registration clerk Ruth Fluharty said in terms of poll workers "we've got everybody right now."
"We haven't had anybody cancel yet," she said. "We have enough to get through the election."
The same is true in Hancock County.
"We are always looking for poll workers," said Barb Ross, employee in the Hancock County Clerk's office. "We are doing o.k., but the situation is fluid. If anyone is interested in being a poll worker, we will take their names and phone numbers."
Brooke County elections clerk Pam Northcraft said she hasn't heard back from all prospective poll workers as to whether they will work the upcoming election. She expects there will be some call offs and a need to fill in for workers at the polls.
"Anybody who wants to call, we can always use more," she said.
No polling locations are being moved in Brooke, Wetzel, Tyler or Hancock counties for the Nov. 3 election.
Those wanting to call to be poll workers should call in Brooke County, 304-737-3661; Hancock County, 304-564-3311; Marshall County, 304-845-1220; Ohio County, 304-234-3750; Tyler County, 304-758-2102; and in Wetzel County, 304-455-8224.