Hundreds are training to run the polls in the upcoming presidential election in Jefferson County

BEAUMONT – Hundreds of people attended a workshop Thursday designed to train them for the upcoming Nov. 5 election.

Poll workers are tasked with working through the election from start to finish from the start of early voting, but county clerks tell KFDM it’s more than that. Chief Deputy County Clerk Laurie Leister describes these staff as an organized, nonpartisan team dedicated to working the county’s 11 early voting sites and 31 Election Day polling locations.

“These are the people who will be manning the polls and they need to be trained in election law and our procedures in order to have good, strong elections here in Jefferson County,” Leister said.

250 people attended the workshop to stay up to date on voting etiquette, but in total around 300 people are involved in the voting process.

These individuals will be responsible for providing a positive and energetic atmosphere for the estimated 100,000 voters and assisting voters when needed. Leister says some have been involved in elections for 30 years.

“They’ve done a great job of keeping up and they’re experienced,” Leister said. “If you go to a polling place, you’re likely to see a familiar face.”

Leister says they expect a large turnout because it’s a presidential election year. She encourages everyone to get out and vote as early as possible and don’t forget to bring photo ID.

“We hope that everyone is registered and fulfills their civic duty and goes to vote,” said Leister.