Poll worker shortage across metro Atlanta day before primary election

ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) – Hours forward of Election Day, staff are nonetheless wanted at some polls throughout metro Atlanta. The American Civil Liberties Union stated a number of massive counties might use extra assist, and are encouraging residents to volunteer Tuesday.

Christopher Bruce, the Coverage and Advocacy Director for ACLU of Georgia stated a document turnout for voters means extra staff are wanted.

“We’d like extra individuals working the polls to verify the method is as environment friendly as potential,” Bruce defined.

Bruce stated the ACLU labored with DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Fulton counties to fill positions this election cycle, however a not too long ago renewed concern over COVID-19 is partially accountable for fewer staff.

“What we’re seeing is individuals who have signed up can not be a ballot employee as a result of they’re contaminated with Covid,” defined Bruce. “That’s a actuality that occurred in 2020 on June 9, which is one motive we had so many issues.”

ACLU of Georgia initially scheduled a ballot employee coaching occasion the Monday earlier than election day, however canceled the occasion attributable to COVID-19.

In Gwinnett County, Elections Supervisor Zach Manifold says the time of yr performs a job in getting extra individuals to volunteer on the polls.

“You’ve got commencement, the final day of faculty, holidays. There’s loads occurring,” stated Manifold. “It’s all the time arduous to get individuals in Could.”

Manifold stated Gwinnett doesn’t anticipate main issues with staffing. Nevertheless, they might fill supporting roles.

The county stated it will let volunteers take a web based coaching till Monday night.

“Right through tonight we’re nonetheless inserting individuals,” stated Manifeld. “We try to recruit again individuals who left the system after the pandemic.”

The pandemic additionally continues to affect DeKalb County elections.

DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections Govt Director Keisha Smith stated in a press release to CBS46:

“Whereas we’ve adequate staffing ranges for Election Day, we’re nonetheless navigating impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic which have impacted our capacity to achieve best staffing ranges. We’re adjusting staffing in real-time to make sure one of the best voter expertise in any respect of our polling areas in DeKalb. We sit up for a tremendously thrilling, secure, safe and environment friendly voter expertise in DeKalb County.”

Cobb County Communications Director Ross Cavitt stated the county is down about 20 staff however doesn’t count on this to affect election day operations.

Officers additionally say a potential run-off election and the final election will give individuals loads of different alternatives to work the polls. The ACLU stated it’s nearly all the time searching for extra people to assist.

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