Want to make a difference this election year, but don’t want to be involved in a campaign? There’s a way to help that ensures the right to vote is upheld for those heading to the polls in November.

The Polk County Board of Elections is joining the rest of the state in seeking help finding new poll workers to “Be a real hero in elections” for the November vote.

Since the average age of Georgia’s poll workers is in the high-risk age group for COVID-19, poll worker recruitment has become increasingly difficult for many counties.

These are the people who ensure that operations on Election Day go smoothly, and that polls open on time and that voting machines are operating correctly to help keep lines moving. They also greet voters and help those 75 or older, or voters with documented disabilities cast their ballot by skipping the line and utilizing the next available booth.

“In 2020, poll workers play a critical role in marking lines for social distancing, sanitizing equipment and making sure voters have a positive experience and short lines,” the Secretary of State’s office reported in a recent recruiting newsletter for poll workers.

Those who want to serve as a poll worker must be 16 years of age or older, a resident or employee of Polk County, and be able to read, write and speak English. They are hired and trained locally, and compensation varies for their time.

People who are interested in making a few extra bucks on Election Day and are willing to help can contact the Board of Elections by calling 770-749-2103.

Civic groups can commit to serving their community together and can include their organization on the poll worker sign up page. They may also work with counties directly on efforts to adopt a specific precinct and serve as a group at the same location. Groups can also wear t-shirts and promote their group’s effort to rise to the challenge of being an Election Hero. Organizations can find resources for poll worker recruitment here: http://securevotega.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2020-Poll-Worker-Recruitment-ToolKit.pdf .