© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

State Seeks Poll Workers For Upcoming Elections

Chion Wolf
/
Connecticut Public Radio

The novel coronavirus could make it difficult to staff polling places for elections this August and November. To guard against that, Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill has announced a campaign to recruit workers for this year’s primary and general elections. 

We depend on your support. Donate to Connecticut Public today.

In Connecticut and nationally, Merrill said, poll workers skew older and may be more at risk of contracting COVID-19.

“One of the major effects of COVID-19 we have seen in other states is the struggle to staff polling places and local election offices,” Merrill said in a statement. “We are working with our local election officials to make sure that they have the resources they need for the elections in August and November, including adequate staffing. No Connecticut voter will have to choose between protecting their health and exercising their right to vote.”

People who are immunocompromised, over 60, showing symptoms of COVID-19, or live with or care for someone in any of those categoriesshould avoid being in public, state officials said.

But if they're not, Merrill said, they can sign up online to work at a polling place.

Those interested in applying can sign up at myvote.ct.gov/volunteer. Opportunities are available across the state.

Merrill said her office will pay for towns’ additional expenses related to COVID-19 through federal CARES Act funds. Those expenses include the hiring of additional people to work in polling places, registrars’ offices and town clerks’ offices.

Patrick Skahill is a reporter and digital editor at Connecticut Public. Prior to becoming a reporter, he was the founding producer of Connecticut Public Radio's The Colin McEnroe Show, which began in 2009. Patrick's reporting has appeared on NPR's Morning Edition, Here & Now, and All Things Considered. He has also reported for the Marketplace Morning Report. He can be reached at pskahill@ctpublic.org.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content