Louisiana needs poll workers; shortages across the state ahead of November election

"If we don't have enough poll workers for our elections, then we can't have an election," said Jill Sessions, Bossier Parish Clerk of Court.

BENTON, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—As we head into the presidential election this year, there are not enough workers to run the polls in Louisiana. This job is vital for overseeing the democratic process.

The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court said the state is experiencing a shortage of poll workers for various reasons, but the process to become certified is easier than people think, plus it pays well.

"If we don't have enough poll workers for our elections, then we can't have an election," said Jill Sessions, Bossier Parish Clerk of Court.

Certified commissioners are community members who ensure local elections run smoothly and correctly. It is an important role that demands their time and focus.

"That it is a very long day. They take their jobs very seriously," Sessions said.

Sessions said Bossier Parish currently has 579 certified poll workers, with 50 new applicants since April. Her office is seeing more success than other parts of the state, especially south Louisiana, where many poll workers never returned after being displaced by hurricanes.

"We're lucky to have qualified, certified poll workers in Bossier Parish. So please be patient because this presidential election is going to be very heated, I'm sure. I'm expecting some lines this year," Sessions said.

DeSoto Parish Clerk of Court Lisa Lobrano Burson said they have 355 certified commissioners and commissioners-in-charge, however that number may not be final because some may be deceased or want to be removed before election day.

It is a similar situation in Caddo Parish, where Clerk of Court Mike Spence said they had increased the number of certified commissioners from 900 to 1,200 for this election. He also said that amount does not actually turn out on election day, so they always need more. Clerk's offices will soon start their training programs to certify new workers.

"We do on-hand training. So, if we have a class that day, we certify them from the top to the bottom with testing and hands-on training with machines. I will have a deputy clerk who is a certified election worker who will be at every precinct in Bossier Parish as well as myself. I make the rounds during the day. So if there's any problems or any issues they can't handle, I will be there along with my staff," Sessions said.

Poll workers earn a paycheck, too. Parishes across Louisiana pay between $250-350.

If you want to become a poll worker, you can register through your local Clerk of Court's Office and the Louisiana Secretary of State's website.