The Alabama Secretary of State announced that new legislation has been passed to allow precinct election officials who are registered to vote in a given county to now serve in any precinct in that county. This new flexibility took effect on August 1 and was led by Rep. David Wheeler and Senator Will Barfoot.
Previously, poll workers served only in the precinct they are registered to vote at. Now, the most qualified individuals will be working in any polling location in the county to ensure our elections are safe and secure. First priority may still be given to those who are registered to vote in the precinct they wish to work at as long as they are qualified for the position.
“Poll workers protect the election process and the rights of each and every eligible voter,” stated Secretary of State John Merrill. “These citizens are a vital part of election administration, and we want the best people working in all 1,980 polling locations in the state.”
Poll workers are paid election officials who staff local polling places to carry out assigned Election Day procedures.
Requirements to be a poll worker are:
- Must be a registered voter in the State of Alabama
- Must be registered to vote in the county in which they desire to act as a poll worker
- Must attend a mandatory poll worker training
- Cannot be a member of a candidate’s immediate family or the second degree of kinship, and cannot be a member of a candidate’s political committee
The application should be returned to the county Probate Judge for consideration.
