Trending
We're under the two-month mark leading up to West Virginia's primary election, and while there is much attention on the various candidates set to appear on the ballot, there is something else just as important we should consider.
In order for the election to be as successful as we have seen in the past, there is a need for poll workers.
These men and women are those willing to step forward to register each voter as they come into each polling location, making certain voters are at the appropriate place and assisting them in the event they are not. They answer any questions and collect the voting slips once the voter has completed their selections.
Poll workers are an integral part of our system of elections.
Officials in both Hancock and Brooke counties have said there still is a need in filling their rosters of poll workers, and they are asking anyone interested to contact their respective County Clerk Office as soon as possible to make certain training and other requirements are met within the needed timeframe.
According to the West Virginia Secretary of State's website, those qualified to serve as poll workers are registered to vote in their county of residence, able to read and write the English language, attend training and be available to work all of Election Day.
Those appearing as candidates on the ballot, or registered as an official write-in candidate, immediate family members of candidates, or those prohibited from serving as an election official due to other laws or disqualifications may not serve.
One are brought into focus in recent weeks is the idea of encouraging veterans and their families to serve as poll workers.
State Sen. Ryan Weld, earlier this month, announced an initiative with Vet the Vote, a national non-profit, which works to recruit veterans and military family members to fill these rolls.
I understand it can be difficult for many of us to free up enough time to spend an entire day serving as a poll worker. I also understand that, after certain circumstances from the 2020 presidential election, those who have never filled that roll may question whether it is something they really want to do.
For those with such questions, I have one for you…Did you question the effectiveness or importance of poll workers prior to 2020?
I've met numerous poll workers over the years while casting my vote. I've never once questioned their honesty or effectiveness while conducting their duties.
It's quite easy to be critical of something when you've never been a part of it. It's easy to echo the claims of politicians when the results don't go the way you, or they, had hoped. If you truly think you know better, or could do better, then step forward. Become a part of the process and not just a critic.
Training classes for those interested, and willing, to serve as poll workers are set to begin April 15. That leaves you with only a couple of weeks to contact your county clerk and offer your services to making certain West Virginia's May 14 primary election is run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
As a reminder for other aspects of the election, the voter registration deadline is April 23, with in-person early voting scheduled May 1 to May 11. You have until May 8 to register to vote absentee, and may hand-deliver your absentee ballot to your county clerk by May 13.
A full schedule can be found through the Secretary of State's website, but, again, you also can contact your County Clerk for more information or to have any questions answered.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @CHowellWDT)