Story by Mia Henkins
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia is in need of 8,255 poll workers for its next election and Secretary of State Kris Warner said it’s not too early to begin recruiting.
Warner said registered to vote and completing a basic, two-hour training session are the only requirements needed to participate.
Unlike the last election, where it was a last-minute scramble to keep the 1,651 precincts operating, the state has decided to take an early approach at finding willing participants. Kanawha, Putnam, and Barbour counties were the few areas in which help has not been requested but most others need it, Warner said.
“It’s really important when people go into the polling place that they see somebody that they recognize and are familiar with right there in their own community,” Warner said during a recent appearance on WAJR’s “Talk of the Town.” “This is a way for folks in every precinct across the state to get involved and be civically engaged.”
Compensating for the two hours of training and the work involved at the election, itself, those signed up can make anywhere from $150 to $300, depending on which county the precinct is located.
“We encourage people to either contact their party county chairman, or, what is easiest all across the state, is to go to govotewv.com, and you can register to be a poll worker there,” Warner said.
On top of that, while registering, those interested can select the “alternate” option to designate themselves as someone who can fill in for anyone sick or abruptly unable to attend.
West Virginia’s next statewide election is scheduled for May 12, 2026.