Lancaster County needs more poll workers for Nebraska primary

Finding workers has been a challenge since pandemic began

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – With the primary election less than three weeks away, Lancaster County is looking for more poll workers.

Election Commissioner Dave Shively said the county staffs roughly 1,000 poll workers every election year.

“They do it as an act of service,” he said. “They’re civic-minded people that like to be part of the process.”

In 2020, COVID-19 made it particularly tough to find people to work the polls.

Two years removed, Shively said he’s still looking for poll workers.

What makes finding poll workers such a challenge? Could political polarization be a factor?

“Maybe there are some people that feel that’s an issue today, but most of our poll workers on election day, they’re serving there in a nonpartisan fashion,” Shively said.

The county requires that there be a balance of Democrats and Republicans working the polls every election.

“They understand that they’re there to work with the voters, to assist voters to make democracy happen,” Shively said.

Shively told Channel 8 that Lancaster County needs 25 to 50 more poll workers for the primary in order to staff the nearly 200 precincts in the county.

“We’re trying to get everything filled as soon as possible,” he said. “We’ll take an application at any time for that. If we can’t fit them in for this cycle, then they certainly would be for a future election.”

To become a poll worker, applicants need to undergo a training session in person or online and take a quiz to make sure they understand the election day process.

Poll workers are paid minimum wage for the hours they work. They have the same civil leave protection as people who serve jury duty.

If you are interested in being a poll worker, you can call the Lancaster County Election Commission at 402-441-7311 or stop by the office at 601 N. 46th St. during regular business hours.