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Montgomery Co. Merges Primary Sites Amid Worker Shortage

Montgomery County Consolidates Polling Places for March 5 Primary Due to Critical Poll Worker Shortage

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – Montgomery County is facing significant operational changes for the upcoming March 5 Republican Primary Election, as the Commissioners Court voted Tuesday, January 30, to merge numerous polling precincts. The decision, driven by a critical shortfall of trained election workers, will reduce the total number of polling locations across the county.

Elections Administrator Suzie Harvey presented the urgent situation to the Commissioners Court, stating her office needed 965 election workers to adequately staff all 108 original polling sites. However, as of the end of January, only 710 individuals had confirmed their availability, leaving a gap of 255 trained judges and clerks.

To bridge this crucial gap, the county will consolidate 108 original polling locations into 84 operational sites. This means a number of voters will find their designated polling place has changed, and they will now need to cast their ballots at a nearby, merged location. The court’s unanimous approval of the measure underscores the urgency of the situation and the necessity of the changes.

The shortage in Montgomery County mirrors a national trend where election administrators increasingly struggle to recruit and retain enough volunteers. Factors contributing to this decline often include an aging workforce, the demanding time commitment, and a sometimes contentious political climate surrounding elections.

Voters are strongly encouraged to verify their polling location *before* Election Day on March 5, 2024. This can be done by visiting the Montgomery County Elections Office website at www.mctx.org/elections, navigating to the “Voter Information” section, or checking the Texas Secretary of State’s “My Voter Portal” at www.votetexas.gov. Failure to verify could lead to confusion and delays at the polls.

While this measure is specifically for the upcoming primary and not yet set for the general election later this year, it highlights a growing concern about volunteer engagement in election processes across Montgomery County. The Elections Administrator’s office is still actively seeking community members to serve as poll workers, emphasizing the ongoing need for civic participation.

Election judges receive $14 per hour, and clerks are paid $12 per hour. The role requires approximately 11 hours of comprehensive training, which is vital for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the election process. Those interested in volunteering can find more information and application details on the Montgomery County Elections Office website or by contacting their office directly. Community involvement remains crucial for the democratic process.

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