Board reports 27 poll-worker no-shows; seeks more reliable recruits and county support

The Harnett County Board of Elections heard that 27 poll workers failed to show up on a recent election day, a board member said, and members discussed recruitment strategies including party recruiting, student workers and county employees.

A board member reported: “...there were 27 poll workers who failed to show up for work on election day. 27.” The elections director said some no-shows may have had legitimate excuses but acknowledged the impact on lines and staffing. The director asked volunteers and party chairs to help recruit reliable workers.

The director said the parties are the primary source of names but that the office holds outreach events and career fairs to recruit. For municipal elections she estimated needing roughly 75 poll workers; for a primary she estimated 250–300. The office accepts recruits from any source, she said.

Board members suggested tapping county employees by asking the county commissioners to allow county staff to work elections without taking vacation or leave. One board member said previously county employees had been allowed to work and receive administrative time and urged reviving that practice. The board also discussed expanding use of student election assistants under statutory restrictions (students must be at least 17 on election day and be recommended by their principal).

Why it matters: insufficient staffing can lengthen lines and complicate election-day operations. The board said it needs a reliable pool of workers for upcoming municipal and primary elections and will pursue multiple recruitment channels.

Ending: The board asked the director to continue outreach with parties, schools and county administrators and to report back on recruitment progress.