La Paz County seeks election workers for July primary, training required

La Paz County is still looking for election workers as it prepares for the July 21 primary, and county officials say the shortage could shape how smoothly polling places operate on Election Day. With 11 precincts and 8 polling places to staff across a large county, a thin roster of workers can mean slower setup, longer waits for ballots and less help when voters need it most.

The county says anyone interested should submit an application now and sign up for mandatory training at least three weeks before Election Day. Poll workers must be registered voters in La Paz County and be able to work a long shift, usually from 5:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. The county says workers open the vote center at 6:00 a.m., close it at 7:00 p.m., set up voting equipment, distribute ballots and assist voters when requested while preserving the integrity of the process.

Training is required and lasts two to four hours before the election. Most polling places have kitchen areas, and workers may bring food or plan a potluck, but they cannot leave the vote center during their shift. The county lists several Election Day positions, including inspector, marshal, e-poll book judge, ballot judge, election-day technician and special situations clerk, a sign of how many separate tasks have to come together for a county-wide vote center operation.

Pay is spelled out as well. Poll workers receive $50 for attending training, but only if they also work Election Day, and regular poll workers are paid $150 for pre-election setup and Election Day work. Inspectors receive $50 for training and $200 for pre-election setup and Election Day work. The county also pays mileage at 70 cents per mile for travel over 25 miles roundtrip, with checks issued two to three weeks after Election Day.

Students can also serve if they are at least 16, are U.S. citizens, have parent or guardian approval, have written school permission and attend the mandatory training. La Paz County says it administers primary and general elections for the county, Parker, Quartzsite, school districts and other special districts, so every trained worker matters when local residents head to the polls.