In an effort to gear up for the November election, the Chester County Board of Commissioners is seeking help from the county business community to find poll workers for elections.
“Chester County has 228 precincts, and we need a small army of poll workers to make sure the voters of our county can efficiently cast their ballots,” Chester County Commissioners’ Chairman Terence Farrell said in a press release. “The Professional Civic Partnership Program will help us find civic-minded individuals to assist us in making sure Election Day runs smoothly.”
The program was launched on Friday, Aug. 12, at a gathering of the commissioners and representatives from the Department of Voter Services and chambers of commerce throughout the county, the release said.
“The concept for the program originated as part of Chester County’s first Leadership Development Program,” Commissioner Kathi Cozzone said in the release. “The group of Chester County employees participating in the leadership program was presented with a challenge that faces our Voter Services department in the run-up to Election Day each year. They researched the issue and proposed the idea of engaging Chester County businesses to find volunteer poll workers.”
Commissioner Michelle Kichline added that the program represents a non-partisan initiative. “We look forward to working with the business community in this public-private partnership, and are confident that the program will result in a great boost to the team of Election Day volunteers,” she said.
Each year finding enough people to be poll workers becomes more difficult, according to Kara Rahn, director of the Department of Voter Services. Rahn’s staff will train volunteers, the release said.
Guy Ciarrocchi, president and chief executive officer of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, contacted county chamber leaders about the program. “Elections are an especially important pillar of American democracy,” Ciarrocchi said in the release. “Without the poll workers, the local precincts could not function efficiently.”
The county is asking local businesses to allow employees to act as poll workers without having to take a vacation day to do so. “This is a great way to show your support and commitment to the democratic process here in Chester County,” Ciarrocchi wrote to chamber leaders.
Companies interested in taking part in the program should contact Chester County Voter Services by calling 610-344-6410 or emailing ccelectionofficials@chesco.org.
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