Politics & Government

Fairfax County Still Needs More Than 2,000 Poll Workers

County has 1,835 poll workers, but needs 2,188 more by Tuesday

Three years ago, Oak Hill resident Russ Porter signed up to be a poll worker. Concerned about the legitimacy of elections, he saw it as his duty to ensure the elections in Fairfax County were clean and aboveboard.

His sense of civic responsibility is in his blood. His father, who made an unsuccessful run for Congress in 1964 and served in World War II, was the longest-running freeholder, a county legislator, in Passaic County, N.J.

"He instilled in me the necessity to protect our freedom and our liberty," Porter said.

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But unfortunately for Fairfax County, there are not enough Russ Porters to volunteer their time on Election Day.

The Fairfax County Office of Elections still needs more than 2,000 poll workers for Election Day, according to Cameron Quinn, who heads up the operation.

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Right now, the county has 1,835 workers scheduled for Tuesday, but needs 2,188 more. 

The county pays between $100 to $200 for the day, which can be as long as 12 hours. 

If you can work, you can apply by calling: (703) 324-4735 

Qualifications for election workers are as follows:

  • You must be a registered voter of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • You cannot hold elected office or be the employee of an elected official.
  • You must enjoy meeting people and serving the public.
  • You must be able to take direction, pay attention to detail and not be easily distracted.
  • You must be available to work the entire day on Election Day
  • You must submit a completed Federal I-9 form. A completed Federal I-9 form must be submitted by all election officers prior to serving in any Fairfax County election.

Porter would like to see a younger generation begin to offer up their time on Election Day.

"As the older generation disappears, there has to be somebody to take their place. The younger the better," Porter said. "As young people get involved, they tell their friends and word spreads and I'd imagine it improves the turnouts."


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