CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – With Election Day coming up on Nov. 3, The Montgomery County Election Commission is looking for poll workers.

“We have our tried and true folks who have been with us for several years but we never know when something is going to happen, someone is going to get sick, or something comes up,” said Elizabeth Black, Administrator of Elections for the county.

Black added that poll workers do receive pay and those people interested would have to commit to attend training for whatever position they choose to work, and would have to be available all day on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Poll workers are required to be registered voters in Montgomery County over the age of 18, with the exception that the state recently lowered the age and is now allowing persons between the age of 16 and 18 to be workers.

Some of the duties of poll workers on election day include checking the voters in, there are also special clerks if someone needs to change an address or they are at the wrong polling location.

There are also machine operators who help set up the voting machines at the precincts and help the voters if they have questions about using the machines to vote.

Black said with concerns over the coronavirus the election commission and the state have been very careful to make sure both poll workers and voters are safe with workers required to wear masks.  Face shields, gowns, gloves and hand sanitizer are also provided if it makes the worker feel safer.

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett said his office is partnering with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to acknowledge Tuesday, Sept. 1 as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day.

“Thousands of Tennesseans answered the call to serve as poll officials for the August election, especially students and young adults, said Hargett. “I encourage Tennesseans to sign up today to help fellow Tennesseans to vote on Election Day in November.”

If you are interested in being a poll worker, you’ll find the application on the Montgomery County Election Commission website,  or call their office at 931-648-5707 to receive an application by email.