LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose visited Allen County on Tuesday afternoon to thank poll workers for their service during a training session.
LaRose told the poll workers that they are “the backbone of each election” and that it takes around 30,000 of them to staff approximately 3,000 polling locations across the state.
Since taking office, LaRose has introduced programs to recruit poll workers, including initiatives targeting veterans and 17- and 18-year-olds. His office has also launched efforts in beauty and barber shops, as well as craft breweries, to encourage voter registration and poll worker participation. Additionally, his office works with organizations to recruit poll workers, who can choose to donate their election pay back to those organizations.
LaRose described the Nov. 4 election as a “grassroots election,” noting the importance of electing officials who directly affect local governments and school districts.
“When other states are struggling to have enough poll workers, Ohio has had plenty, in some cases, even more than we needed. We've encouraged, and really I've required the boards of elections to recruit not 100% but 115%. What that means is, if it takes maybe 100 people to open your county's voting locations on election day, you actually have to recruit and train 115 so you're ready with that backup,” LaRose said.
LaRose described the Nov. 4 election as a “grassroots election,” noting the importance of electing officials who directly affect local governments and school districts.
“Depending on where you live, there may be tax levies on the ballot. I know a lot of people have concerns. You want to have well-funded schools and communities and that kind of thing. But some people have said, well, you know, the cost of property tax is too high. Well, your chance to weigh in on this is during these kind of local election,” LaRose added.
LaRose encouraged anyone interested in becoming a poll worker in their county to visit www.voteohio.gov.
