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Caddo Parish honors poll workers and hears warning about staffing shortages
Summary
The Caddo Parish Commission read a resolution recognizing local election workers and heard Clerk of Court Mike Spence say the parish is short roughly 85 precinct workers, that pay is $200 and election-day shifts can run 11–12 hours, and that new voting machines may arrive by the presidential election.
The Caddo Parish Commission adopted a special resolution recognizing the parish’s election workers and heard officials describe a persistent shortage of poll staff.
Clerk of Court Mike Spence told the commission the parish had been "85 precinct short" in recent staffing coverage and urged commissioners to help recruit, noting pay is currently $200 and election-day shifts can span "11 to 12 hours." He said early voting eases election-day demand and that older machines have been failing. "We've been told new machines could possibly be here by the presidential election," Spence said, adding that new equipment would require retraining workers.
Commissioners discussed ways to recruit younger workers and simplify sign-up. Spence described an online process, saying the easiest way to apply is to "go to caddoclark.com," complete an online test and then attend one short in-person class. He and commissioners emphasized that many current poll workers have served 20–30 years and are retiring.
The commission read language that praises poll workers for hours of training, their role safeguarding the democratic process, and their often-unheralded public service. The resolution encourages civic-minded residents to consider training as election commissioners to ensure precincts are properly staffed in future elections.
What happens next: commissioners said staff will continue outreach and the clerk’s office will share application steps and contact information for recruitment efforts.
