Montgomery County launches urgent poll worker recruitment

Montgomery County Sounds Alarm: Urgent Need for 500-600 Poll Workers Amid Aging Workforce, Rising Threats, and Low Pay Concerns

Montgomery County is grappling with a significant shortage of poll workers for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election, prompting an urgent recruitment drive. With just over four months until Election Day, Elections Administrator Dana Harris has issued a public plea, revealing the county needs approximately 1,400 individuals to staff its 70 polling locations efficiently, but is currently short by 500 to 600 workers.

The deficit poses a potential threat to the smooth operation of what is expected to be a high-turnout presidential election. A shortage could lead to longer lines, increased wait times, and added stress on existing election staff, potentially impacting the voter experience across the county. Harris’s office requires 700 judges and 700 clerks to ensure all polling places are adequately staffed. Currently, only about 800 to 900 positions are filled.

The core of the issue stems from an aging volunteer base. “Our dedicated poll workers are truly the backbone of our democracy, with many having served for decades,” Harris stated. “However, the average age of our workers is around 70, and we have many in their 80s who are simply no longer able to commit to the long hours required.” This demographic shift mirrors a national trend where younger individuals are often less likely to volunteer for such roles, leaving a vital civic duty largely to retirees.

A more recent and troubling factor is the marked increase in harassment and threats directed at election workers. Since the contentious 2020 election cycle, election officials nationwide have reported a surge in intimidation, a trend that has unfortunately reached Montgomery County. “We’ve seen some of our most loyal volunteers decide not to return because of the hostile environment,” Harris admitted. “No one should have to endure threats or insults for simply helping their community vote. This climate has created a chilling effect, deterring both veteran workers and potential new recruits.

Compounding these challenges is the issue of compensation. Poll workers in Montgomery County currently receive modest hourly wages: clerks earn $8 an hour, judges $10 an hour, and alternate judges/clerks $12 an hour. These rates are for grueling shifts that typically begin at 6 a.m. and often extend well past 7 p.m., sometimes even later depending on ballot counts and closing procedures. “For such a critical and demanding job that involves long hours and significant responsibility, the current pay isn’t always enough to attract and retain the number of people we need,” Harris explained.

To aggressively combat the shortfall, Harris’s office is hosting an open house and recruitment event on **Tuesday, June 18, at 2 p.m.** The event will be held at the Elections Administrator’s offices located at 915 North San Jacinto Street in Conroe. Prospective applicants will have the opportunity to learn more about the roles, duties, and importance of serving.

Anyone interested in serving must be a registered voter in Montgomery County, not a convicted felon, and not related to any candidate on the ballot. Mandatory paid training is provided to equip workers with the necessary skills and knowledge for Election Day. Bilingual individuals, particularly those proficient in Spanish, are especially encouraged to apply to help better serve the county’s diverse electorate.

Recognizing the significant impact of pay on recruitment, county commissioners are expected to discuss potentially increasing poll worker compensation in upcoming meetings. A pay hike, if approved, could be a critical step in addressing the recruitment challenges and attracting a broader pool of candidates, including younger individuals and those who might need more competitive wages. “We are hopeful the commissioners will see the urgency and importance of this matter,” Harris said. “Investing in our poll workers is investing in the integrity and efficiency of our elections.”

The Elections Administrator’s office emphasizes that serving as a poll worker is a vital civic duty that directly supports the democratic process. For more information or to apply, interested residents are encouraged to attend the open house or contact the Montgomery County Elections Office directly at (936) 539-7843 or visit their website at co.montgomery.tx.us/elections. Early applications are highly encouraged.