Local counties recruiting poll workers to help with the election process

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind - With Indiana's primary election a month away, local counties are recruiting poll workers to help with the election process.  

Right now, there's a need for poll workers to help people participate in the democratic process.

Poll workers are paid, so any registered voter can reach out to their county Democratic or Republican party chair to learn how to get involved.  

In St. Joseph County, the clerk's office created "Work The Vote" to recruit vote center workers for election day.

St. Joseph County Clerk Amy Rolfes says they will need almost 700 election workers. 

The county just received a grant from the Election Assistance Commission called the “Help America Vote College Program”, which aims to get young people motivated and involved in the election process.

Elkhart County Clerk Chris Anderson says they are also working to fill a shortage of poll workers at several voting locations.

Jeanine Hickman, who's been working the polls in St. Joseph County for more than 10 years is encouraging people to get involved in the civic process.

“Younger people would be very nice, but I realize a lot of them work and go to school, but we are always looking for good people that can be nice to people, help the voters as needed, and get people through in a timely fashion," said Hickman.

Absentee and early voting for the primary begins this coming Tuesday, April 9.

If you're not a registered voter, you have until 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 8, to register. You can register here.