Kansas City Prepares for Upcoming Election: Volunteers Needed
Kansas City, Mo. — With just three weeks left before millions of Americans head to the polls, it’s an exciting time for both voters and those who help make elections happen. As election season approaches, local election offices are calling for help, and they need volunteers to step up as poll workers.
A Call for Volunteers
According to Fred Sherman, the election commissioner for Johnson County, they expect a whopping 300,000 voters to cast their ballots in person, whether during early voting or on election day. Each of these voters will need assistance, so the need for more than 2,000 poll workers is crucial.
“We will train those workers throughout the month of October,” Sherman shared. The rise in voting interest is encouraging, but it’s also challenging them to find the right people. Lauri Ealom, the director at the Kansas City Board of Elections, mentioned that while young workers excel at customer service, there’s a strong need for those who are proficient with technology.
The Role of Technology
“Our seasoned poll workers are fantastic with face-to-face interactions,” Lauri pointed out, “but we really need people who can handle technology quickly, as that’s a vital aspect of modern voting.” It seems that being tech-savvy could make all the difference in ensuring that things run smoothly on election day.
Facing Challenges
Unfortunately, the environment surrounding elections isn’t always friendly. Ealom outlined some of the dangers of working in such a politically charged climate. She stated that local election boards face threats consistently — sometimes daily. In fact, not too long ago, they had to call in the hazmat team after a suspicious package was reported at their office.
“There’s a lot of fear,” she admitted. “We get threats all the time. The Election Assistance Commission sends us daily alerts about any new threats, and there’s typically at least one each day.” It’s disheartening that those who aim to help their community are faced with such risks. Meanwhile, local authorities continue to investigate recent threats to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
What Can You Do?
If you are in the Kansas City area and have a few hours to spare, this might be a great opportunity to get involved! Individuals keen on becoming poll workers can visit the Johnson County Election Office website or their respective county’s page for more information and to submit applications. It’s an excellent opportunity to engage with your community while playing a vital role in overseeing democracy.
Wrapping Up
As the election date draws nearer, the enthusiasm and preparation leading up to it remind us of the important role every citizen plays in shaping their government. Whether you’re voting or volunteering, every effort counts. So, if you’re interested in lending a helping hand or just making sure your voice is heard, don’t hesitate—get involved and make a difference!
In these final weeks before election day, let’s all stay informed, stay engaged, and remember how crucial it is to show up for our communities and ourselves! Happy voting!
