Shortage of Poll Workers to Cause Changes in Primary Election

Bartholomew County Clerk Jay Phelps is warning that you will see some changes this primary election, because of a shortage of poll workers. Phelps explains that they have had nearly 50 percent of the county’s Election Day poll workers drop out, you are going to see fewer vote centers in the community. This election instead of 16 vote centers countywide, there will only be eight vote centers, Phelps says.

Phelps said that his office has been surprised by the number of poll workers who have dropped out. He said that the Democratic party has gone through its entire list of backup poll workers already and the Republicans only have one worker on their backup list.

The average age of Bartholomew County poll workers is 71 and many of them just don’t feel comfortable working at the vote centers this year. Poll workers will be required to wear masks and gloves and to sanitize all of the voting equipment. He said that is going to add to an already long day, which is normally 13 hours for workers on election day.

There will also be changes to in-person early voting. Phelps said because of social distancing requirements in the Bartholomew County Courthouse and concerns from judges and other staff, there will not be in-person absentee voting at the courthouse. Instead, you will be able to have in-person absentee voting only at Donner Center this year.

If you are interested in being a poll worker on election day, you should contact the voter registration office at 812-379-1604 or your party headquarters.