CINCINNATI — Election officials say they need thousands of poll workers to run the next two elections. One poll worker is planning to come back and help, but this time she'll be training the thousands they need. 

What You Need To Know

  • There will be a special election in August and the general election in November 

  • The Hamilton County Board of Elections director said it's going to take more than 2,000 poll workers per election  

  • Election poll workers get paid around $200 per election
  • Poll workers have to be at least 17 years old, a registered voter, and have no past felonies to apply

Brenda White, a retired principal and pastor, is used to taking the lead. That’s why when an opportunity came up to be a part of running an election, she didn’t hesitate.

“Because every time I would go to vote at the precinct, I never saw somebody that looked like me, and I said, when I retire, I'm going to make sure that I do that,” said White. 

She trains poll workers at the Hamilton County Board of Elections office.

“I do it every year because some people don't know that the opportunity is there. Some people don't choose to take the opportunity and those that do take it, take it for the stipend and not for the purpose,” said White. 

She started as a poll worker and soon became part of a team that’ll be training poll workers for a special election in August, and the general election in November.

The Hamilton County Board of Elections director says they estimate that’ll take more than 2,000 poll workers for each election.

“We are actively recruiting poll workers. We know we’re going to have some holes to fill,” said Hamilton County Board of Directors Sherry Poland. 

She said they just put out the call for poll workers to apply, but if they don’t get enough, she says they have a plan.

“We will try to recruit and train backup poll workers that are able to go out and fill in for last-minute vacancies. We also will move poll workers around,” said Poland.

White says she’s already prepared to help in the upcoming elections.

“It makes a difference and says it makes a difference and that's where I want to be,” said White. 

Poll workers get paid about $200 per election.

You have to be at least 17 years old, a registered voter, and not have any past felonies to be a poll worker.

If you’re interested in signing up, you can reach out to your local Board of Elections office. For Hamilton County residents, click here for more information on poll worker positions.