‘Bare minimum’ poll workers in Richland County as Election Day approaches

Richland County is searching for 150 to 200 more poll workers as Election Day approaches.

Travis Alexander, the county’s director of voter registration and elections, said he has the “bare minimum” amount of poll workers needed for this election. 

The additional workers would help offset any poll worker absences on Nov. 5. 

“If there’s another COVID 2.0, or some people drop out and don’t want to come at the end of the election, it could be a struggle in some precincts,” Alexander said. 

Low poll worker numbers can cause precincts to consolidate, said TJ Lundeen of the S.C. Elections Commission. That would mean twice the amount of people voting in one place. 

“Logistically, it’s horrible, and it’s just not something that we would want to take on,” Lundeen said. 

Alexander said he doesn’t anticipate consolidating precincts. But, he foresees longer lines, more headaches and more complaints if county poll workers don’t show up. 

Lexington County is experiencing a similar issue.

All poll worker positions are filled, but the county could still use more contingency workers, said Lenice Shoemaker, the county’s director of voter registration and elections. 

Both counties have reached out to previous poll workers to prevent Election Day shortages.

“If push comes to shove, we do have people that we can reach out to, and we have reached out to, saying, ‘If you’re available, can we still call on you?’” Shoemaker said.

The lack of workers in both counties comes amid a statewide poll worker shortage.

South Carolina has historically struggled with poll worker numbers, and numbers are “slightly worse” this year, Lundeen said.

Margie Searles has worked elections for 10 years in Richland County. She said a lot of returning workers are aging out or moving, and new people are needed to fill their places.

“We need young people,” Searles said. “But in order to get the young crowd in, you’re gonna have to pay a bit more money.”

Lexington County raised poll worker wages this year.

Richland County pays poll workers $50 more than the state stipend of $135, but hasn’t increased pay since the 2022 midterm elections. 

Alexander hopes people understand the importance of poll workers and step up to serve their communities.

“It’s the best civic duty that you can do in America,” Alexander said. “I mean, other than serving our country as a military soldier, this is probably one of the top things to help your neighbors.”