LETTER: Poll workers needed in Franklin for upcoming elections

Published 9:00 am Thursday, April 18, 2024

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To the Editor:

Last month, the citizens of Virginia had the opportunity to select the potential candidates to run for President. We’ve been blessed in Franklin to have had very smooth elections.  Our next election will be a primary to be held on June 18 in other races on the November ballot. 

For successful elections, our system depends on dedicated volunteers to serve as poll workers. These are the local men and women who manage each polling place. For each precinct, we need six election workers, plus three in the Central Absentee Precinct and alternates to cover for last-minute emergencies. For Presidential Elections, we need even more to handle the turnout. Recently, we have had to work with as few as 3 Officers at some precincts due to a lack of volunteers. Volunteers serving on election day are providing a valuable service to our community. It is admittedly a long day starting at 5 a.m. and ending after the polls close at 7 pm. We know the long shift seems daunting. We see a steady flow of neighbors coming in to select their favorite candidate. 

We’re looking for people to serve Franklin as poll workers. Training is provided and volunteers are paid a very small stipend for serving. We don’t do it for the pay, but you’ll be providing a service to our community. Poll workers must be registered to vote in Virginia and must be willing to dedicate the entire day to being at the polling precinct. For more information, contact the Registrar’s Office at 757-562-8645 or email to jmaynard@franklinva.com.

Paul Kaplan

Franklin