MOORHEAD — More poll workers, especially younger ones, are being sought for the upcoming Minnesota primary election in August and the general election in November in Moorhead and statewide.
Secretary of State Steve Simon said for decades older residents have handled many poll worker duties, but because they are more susceptible to COVID-19 he would like to see younger people sign up.
"We need others to take their place," he said.
Simon added that long lines at polling sites in Georgia last week and in Wisconsin in April were caused by the shortage of poll workers.
Moorhead City Clerk Christina Rust, who runs the city precinct polling locations, said she also needs more workers.
"We would like to see more young people step up," she said.
She is seeking more than 120 workers to run the city's 15 precinct polling places for the Aug. 11 primary, but as of late last week had only about 105 signed up.
For the general election, when more voters show up, she would like to see 150 workers. Some can't work the entire time polls are open, she said, and more people would also help give breaks to those working all day.
Rust said the city has a pool of about 280 people who in the past have worked at the polls, but many may not want to take on duties with the coronavirus worries. Others can't or won't participate anymore.
Simon said polling sites will be safe and clean with masks, wipes and hand sanitizer for every worker. Statewide, he said they need 30,000 workers for more than 3,000 polling places.
He said people as young as 16 can apply, and some counties pay as much as $20 an hour.
Workers must complete a two-hour training session that in Moorhead is being done online, Rust said, while Clay County Auditor Lori Johnson is also offering training this summer.
Simon and Rust also urged people to apply for absentee or mail-in ballots for both the primary and general elections. As of June 11, more than 70,000 Minnesotans had requested ballots through their county auditor's offices or on the Secretary of State's website. Residents can also vote in person at county auditor's offices from June 26 to Aug. 10. Mail-in ballots are available after June 26.
The online applications for ballots are available at mnvotes.org. Residents will be asked for an email address and an identification number, either a Minnesota driver's license, state ID card or the last four digits of a Social Security number.
Voter registration can also be completed or updated online on the same site.