MEDIA RELEASE: Secretary Pate recruiting poll workers for November 3 election

DES MOINES – Secretary of State Paul Pate is actively recruiting Iowans who can assist voters at the polls on Election Day. Poll workers check-in voters, make sure they have the correct ballot, answer questions, and help ensure elections run smoothly in each precinct. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of Iowa’s regular poll workers are unavailable this year. Today is National Pollworker Recruitment Day.

“We need healthy Iowans to step up and serve their state and nation on November 3,” Secretary Pate said. “It’s an important job, you’ll be helping your community, and you get paid.”

Polls will be open in all 99 counties on November 3. The Secretary of State’s Office is providing masks, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, social distancing markers and other materials to every precinct to protect voters and poll workers from the risk of spreading COVID-19. Additionally, a statewide mailing of absentee ballot request forms will go to active registered voters in Iowa soon. This will help reduce crowds and wait times at the polls.

This instructional video details the tasks poll workers are required to perform. For more information and to sign up, visit Pollworker.Iowa.gov.

A video/audio message from Secretary Pate is available for your use at this link.

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