More poll workers needed for Aug. 19 primary

With the primary election less than one month away, King County Elections is still looking for 700 individuals to fill nearly 4,000 poll-worker positions.

With the primary election less than one month away, King County Elections is still looking for 700 individuals to fill nearly 4,000 poll-worker positions.

“King County hasn’t yet made the transition to all-mail voting and poll workers are still needed to help ensure that poll voters can cast their vote on Election Day,” said Sherril Huff, King County Elections director.

Huff said the office has stepped up recruitment and training efforts in hopes of having a back-up work force to ensure that all available positions are filled. Bilingual-speaking poll workers are needed throughout King County to provide language assistance to Chinese voters with limited English proficiency.

Poll workers are responsible for opening and closing the polls and issuing ballots to voters. Workers receive a three-hour, paid training prior to Election Day, and the position requires attentiveness and a commitment to helping people navigate the election process.

Poll workers in King County receive $125.09 for their service on Election Day, which begins at 6 a.m. and ends once the poll closing procedures are completed, around 9 p.m.

Individuals interested in serving as a poll worker, either as a group or as an individual, should call the Poll Worker Coordination Office at 206-296-1606.

For more information on working for King County Elections or information on the ballot measures and candidates, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections/.