Bill looks to recruit more election workers with Election Day changes

North Dakota saw a record turnout in 2018 for a midterm election. If the numbers continue to climb in 2020, polls are going to need more workers. That’s what House Bill 1059 is trying to address.

The bill would allow for part-time poll workers, like inspectors, judges and clerks, as long as “at least one election inspector and two election judges” are at the polling location. Rep. Shannon Roers Jones, R-Fargo, says the Cass County auditor came to her about the concern finding poll workers, but she learned the problem affects all of North Dakota. The change would also allow auditors flexibility in staffing polls at busier times.

“It’s very difficult to find people to work those long hours because many of our poll workers are retirees and just can’t handle that long of a day,” said Roers Jones.

Roers Jones said in her district, a poll worker’s day could be as long as 15 hours.