ANDERSON Co., SC – Anderson County has a serious need for poll worker volunteers as South Carolina’s primary quickly approaches.
According to the Anderson County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, about 150 workers are still needed for Election Day on June 12th, specifically in the Powdersville, Piedmont and Williamston areas.
A shortage of volunteers could mean longer lines for voters heading to cast their ballots.
“It’s the biggest areas up in there that we have, and it’s just always hard to fill those spots,” explained Precinct Coordinator Melissa Braendle.
Braendle told 7 News Monday that she hopes the money incentive may help draw people in last minute.
Volunteers get paid $135 total for taking a 3-hour training class and for working Election Day.
“Without the election workers, elections wouldn’t take place, so we have to have them.”
But for some volunteers, it’s not about the money.
Bob Coughlin of Anderson stopped by the Anderson County Board of Voter Registration and Elections building Monday afternoon, to learn more about volunteering.
“I talked my wife into coming and then talked one of her friends into coming too,” he said.
Caughlin said a friend he occasionally volunteers with suggest he sign up to work Election Day.
Wanting to fulfill his civic duty, Caughlin decided to help.
“You’ll be amazed at the people who are really devoting themselves to the political process,” he said. “It’s enlightening and it’s inspiring.”
Anyone interested in volunteering must complete an Election Worker Application, which is available for download online at the following web address:
The form must then be forwarded to the Board of Voter Registration and Elections.
Applicants should then call Precinct Coordinator Melissa Braendle at 864-260-4000 to set up an appointment to discuss the next step.
