SHREVEPORT, La. - Louisiana election officials are urging more residents to become election workers as some parishes struggle with staffing shortages.
Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry says poll commissioners are the backbone of the election process.
"Their commitment helps ensure voters have a smooth experience at the polls and that elections are conducted with integrity. We are looking for individuals who want to serve their communities, support the democratic process and earn extra income while playing an important role on Election Day," said Landry.
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court Mike Spence says recruiting enough workers has become difficult as longtime election commissioners retire and fewer people volunteer to replace them.
Spence says 80 out of 128 precincts were understaffed during the most recent election.
"That's the first time we have had that many election workers that didn't work. It is a dire emergency for us to get that taken care of," said Spence.
Spence says recruitment through ads on billboards, newspapers and other mediums have been unsuccessful.
"In the past, people were passionate to work elections. We had people who worked them for 30 or 40 years because they were an American who believed in the election process. Now we're not getting that as much as in the past; there's no passion to work elections," said Spence.
Election workers assist voters, help operate polling locations and ensure procedures are followed throughout the day.
Applicants must be a registered Louisiana voter and at least 17 years old. A short training day before the election is required, and election workers must remain at their assigned polling location for the duration of their shift.
Election Day commissioners can earn up to $200 while commissioners in charge can earn up to $350. Early voting commissioners can earn $150.
Those interested in becoming election workers can submit an application through their local clerk of court's office.