Rural Nebraska counties face challenges in recruiting election workers

SEWARD, Neb. (KLKN) – When the primary election arrives next month, it will be essential that polling places are fully staffed so everything runs smoothly.

The primary takes place on May 14, and early ballots are already being sent out.

But finding poll workers, especially in rural Nebraska, can be challenging.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska counties struggle to recruit poll workers ahead of primary

Seward County Clerk Sherry Schweitzer said the hardest part is finding a diverse group of people.

The law requires that counties have an equal number of poll workers from each political party.

But gathering enough Democrats in rural Nebraska, where most people are registered as Republican or nonpartisan, requires some searching.

SEE ALSO: Officials hosting four voter registration drives in Lincoln before primary

Schweitzer said since 2020, there has been a lot of misinformation about elections that is scaring off workers.

“Some people have just wanted to take a step back from participating,” she said.

She said many workers are retired but don’t know if they can work the whole day.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska’s secretary of state reminds voters of new voter ID law ahead of primary

If there aren’t enough poll workers for an election, the law allows for a draft – similar to jury duty.

Schweitzer said Seward County needs about 100 people to fill all its polling locations. Right now, there’s enough, but officials are always looking for more.

“I am fortunate that in Seward County, I have a lot of people that do want to do their civic duty,” she said. “In fact, I have some that are surprised they get paid even to do that.”

Lancaster County faces similar problems with an aging workforce. But because it’s a more urban area, the challenge is finding enough Republicans.

Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen said the county needs 1,100 workers for all its precincts.

He said while his office has enough this time, it’s always looking for ways to streamline the hiring process and attract more people to the job.

“A lot of our long-term election board workers are retiring,” he said. “They’ve put in their service. Our democracy is important, and election workers are needed to sustain our elections. They’re safe and secure and we’ve had very successful elections, and we do need younger people willing to step up.”