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With the general election rapidly approaching on Nov. 8, the Troup County Elections Office is in need of poll workers. Mandatory training is provided and those who are selected will only work on days when an election is taking place.

“Anyone can apply, young or old, but they have to be at least 16 years of age,” said Andrew Harper, the Elections and Registration Supervisor. “Then, they can come and work for the elections that day. When they work the election, they are to be available to work from 6 a.m. on until the election is done that night.”

Key requirements for poll workers are: must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, must be willing to arrive by at least 6 a.m., must be a least 16 and must participate in mandatory training.

According to Harper, poll workers are paid by the number of hours they work, usually starting about $10 an hour depending on what position they are put in.

“If they are in certain positions, they may get paid a little more, but usually beginners are paid $10 an hour,” Harper said.

During elections, poll workers will usually open up the polls, help set up the polling machines, help voters if they need directions to go vote, check voters in, check voter IDs, make sure voters are given the right ballot, and make sure ballots are sent it in right.

“The duties of poll workers can change depending on what positions they have and what precinct they are in,” Harper said.

Applications will be accepted in person at the Troup County Elections Department in the Troup County Government Center located at 100 Ridley Avenue, LaGrange, Ga 30240.

“A lot of our workers in the past have been older, and they’ve just decided they don’t want to work anymore,” Harper said.  “We have recruited some, but we’re always looking for more people to come help out.”

For Harper, being a poll worker means more than just getting extra cash, poll workers help make sure voting is fair and help people fulfill their civic duty as American citizens.

“People need to understand the importance of everything we do during election time,” Harper said. “We make sure everyone involved is treated fairly.”

Historically, poll workers have tended to be older and have worked the polls for numerous elections.

“There have been pole workers that have been working the polls longer than I have been here,” Harper said.

For more information, contact the Troup County Elections office at (706) 883-1745.