NORFOLK, Va. — Thursday marks National Poll Worker Recruitment Day and several election offices are working to make sure there are enough officers at the polls.
Election day is just months away and officials already expect to see voters come in waves.
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm behind this election," said Norfolk General Registrar Stephanie Iles. "We’re expecting a large turnout both for early voting, absentee by mail and on election day.”
Iles said presidential elections commonly bring large crowds. But this election cycle, Norfolk residents vote for more than the president.
“It’s not just a presidential election," she said. "You have the races for congressional seats statewide and we have local offices on the ballot here in Norfolk.”
That means the office will need a lot of help. Iles said they’re in the process of hiring poll workers.
“We are expecting over 600 people to exercise their civil duty,” she said.
Other cities in Hampton Roads are recruiting as well. In Virginia Beach, the general registrar said they have more than 1,406 election officials and usually strive for 1,500. They’re trying to get at least 1,800 for this election.
Suffolk has more than 230 poll workers but they hope to have 320 for November. Chesapeake’s general registrar said they’ll need 500 election officials. At last check, they have nearly 490 and 300 potential hires are on the waiting list.
“You have ballot officers who distribute the appropriate ballot,” Iles said. “Officers help with curbside voting.”
Iles said these officers play a vital role in making sure things go smoothly at the polls. Although she encourages Norfolk residents to volunteer their time at the polls, she said it’s important to note you don’t have to live in the city to serve as an election officer.