The “Poll Workers Helping Americans Vote” initiative, launched by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) highlights the vital contributions of election workers across the country. These individuals are the backbone of the electoral process—serving their neighbors, safeguarding voting integrity, and keeping elections running smoothly.
“Tennessee is recognized as one of the most secure states in the nation when it comes to elections—and that’s thanks in large part to the dedication of our election workers,” said David Riley, Marion County Administrator of Elections. “Here in Marion County, we are especially proud of our team of well-trained, experienced poll workers who are deeply committed to helping every eligible voter cast their ballot safely, fairly, and within the bounds of the law.”
Deputy Administrator of Elections Tina Wirstrom echoed the sentiment: “We’re incredibly fortunate to have the group of individuals we do. Their commitment to guiding friends and neighbors through the voting process helps ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for every voter.”
During the season of the EAC’s National Poll Worker Recruitment Day (August 12th), Riley and Wirstrom emphasized that there is always room for more community members to step up and serve. “We’re actively seeking new individuals to assist during Early Voting and on Election Day,” Riley said. “It’s such an integral part of the process—and we’ve made it easy to sign up through links right on our website. It’s no exaggeration to say we couldn’t do it without them.” Wirstrom added with a smile, “We’re always keeping an eye out for people we think might be civically minded, so we can ‘encourage’ them to act on that by becoming an election worker.”
In Tennessee, poll workers are paid for their service—an added benefit compared to states that rely solely on volunteers. “You won’t get rich doing it,” Riley noted, “but it’s a meaningful way to contribute, and it’s good to be compensated for your time. Working with the public can be incredibly rewarding, but it also takes energy and dedication.”
To learn more or sign up to become a poll worker in Marion County, visit www.marionvotes.com or visit the office at 109 Academy Street, Jasper, TN 37347.
The Marion County Election Commission was established under the framework of Tennessee’s 1907 election law created county election commissions across the state to ensure fair and lawful elections. As a local, bipartisan body, the Marion County Election Commission is responsible for conducting all federal, state, and local elections within the county. The Commission oversees voter registration, maintains the integrity of the voter rolls, manages polling places and election workers, and ensures compliance with state and federal election laws. Its mission is to provide secure, transparent, and accessible elections for all eligible voters in Marion County. For more information, visit www.marionvotes.com.
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). It is an independent, bipartisan commission charged with ensuring secure, accurate, and accessible elections by developing guidance to meet HAVA requirements, adopting voluntary voting system guidelines, and serving as a national clearinghouse of information on election administration. The EAC also accredits testing laboratories and certifies voting systems, as well as administers the use of HAVA funds. For more information, visit www.eac.gov.