County poll workers needed
March 12, 2014
Each year, U.S. citizens make their way to the polls to exercise the right that's at the very foundation of what defines us, our right, and civic duty, to vote. For most, it's a simple matter; study the candidates and issues and go make a tick mark on the ballot. But it takes a lot of people to make the process possible.

Boundary County Clerk Glenda Poston said she is seeking the all-important poll workers, those who do the behind the scenes hard work necessary to make sure the process goes smoothly and that every qualified vote is counted.

Over the years, a lot of us who vote regularly come to know and enjoy those poll workers who serve our precincts, those who check us in and mark us off on a big roster, who hand us our ballots and explain how it works, who greet us after we've made our choices, who instruct us to insert our completed ballots in those blue precinct lock boxes, who hand us an "I Voted" sticker after we're done.

They become friends, almost family it seems like, whom we see on only special occasion.

But there are other poll workers you don't see; those who see after the security of the ballots, those who count them, those who deliver the precinct lock boxes to the courthouse after the polls have closed and the votes tallied.

Conducting an election is no simple matter, and without poll workers, the task would be nigh impossible.

In most years, poll workers, who are compensated with an hourly wage while working, take part in two election, but some years there can be as many as four. Poll workers are needed in each of the six Boundary County precincts.

If you'd like to know more about becoming a county poll worker, visit the county elections page, where you can learn the precincts and polling sites, get the elections calendar for the coming year and more.

To apply, visit the county clerk's office in the Boundary County Courthouse or call (208) 267-2242.

Editor's note: The initial version of this article mistakenly indicated that poll workers were volunteers. In actuality, they are paid an hourly wage for their efforts. I regret the error.