Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen is urging residents across the state to step forward as poll workers for the May 19 Primary Election, emphasizing their critical role in administering safe and secure elections.

“Poll workers are essential members of the elections administration team. They work hard from sun up to sun down on Election Day at every polling place across our state,” Allen said in a news release. “As Secretary of State, I will always support our hardworking election officials across the state and ensure they have everything they need to administer the safest and most secure elections in the country.”

Poll workers assist with voter check-in, ballot distribution and ensuring polling places operate smoothly throughout Election Day. Their work supports the integrity of the electoral process and helps guarantee voters are able to cast ballots efficiently and securely.

As part of the recruitment effort, Allen highlighted the state’s Heroes at the Polls program, which encourages Alabama veterans to serve as poll workers.

“Our veterans have defended our constitutional right to vote time and again. This makes them uniquely qualified to safeguard election integrity as voters exercise their constitutional right,” Allen explained. “The integrity, patriotism and strong work ethic required for military service make our veterans ideal candidates to serve as poll workers.”

To qualify, poll workers must be registered voters in the county where they wish to serve. They are appointed by a county appointing board made up of the probate judge, sheriff and circuit clerk. All poll workers are also required to complete training conducted by their county probate judge prior to each election.

Individuals interested in serving can apply by completing the poll worker application available at www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/PollWorkerApplication.pdf.