Hargett: Moore County needs poll workers

Residents can apply to serve during early voting and on Election Day for the Aug. 6 primary and general election

9:07 a.m. June 20, 2026

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Moore County needs more poll workers before voters begin casting ballots in the Aug. 6 primary and general election.

The county is one of 35 across Tennessee where election officials say more help is needed at the polls. In a small county, even a few missing poll workers can make it harder to staff early voting and Election Day sites.

Key dates are approaching: voter registration closes Tuesday, July 7; early voting runs Friday, July 17, through Saturday, Aug. 1; absentee ballot requests are due Monday, July 27; and Election Day is Thursday, Aug. 6.

Secretary of State Tre Hargett said the need for poll workers reaches beyond staffing.

“Poll workers are essential to the success and integrity of Tennessee elections, and I encourage all eligible Tennesseans to consider serving their communities during the 2026 election cycle,” Hargett said. “These dedicated individuals help ensure every voter has a smooth, secure, and efficient voting experience.”

In Moore County, anyone interested in serving as a poll worker should contact Jim Sanders, Administrator of Elections, at (931) 759-4532.

During early voting and on Election Day, poll workers are often the people voters meet first – the ones checking names, answering questions, and keeping the line moving. Their duties may include processing voters, explaining how to mark a ballot, helping with voting equipment, or counting votes. Some polling place workers also serve as greeters, pointing voters in the right direction before they enter the voting area.

State election officials described the job as a practical way to serve close to home.

“By serving, citizens can help voters in their own community confidently cast their ballots while reinforcing the transparency, accuracy, and security of Tennessee elections,” said Mark Goins, the state coordinator of elections.

Poll workers typically report about one hour before polls open and stay about one hour after polls close. Exact schedules may vary by assignment.

Poll workers are paid at a rate set by the county election commission and receive additional compensation for training sessions. That training is required by state law and gives workers the information they need to serve at the polls.

Election officials try to assign poll workers to their voting site when possible. Workers must be flexible, though, and may be assigned to another site in the county as needed.

To serve, a person must be at least 16, and anyone 18 or older must be registered to vote in the county where they work. Poll workers must also be able to read and write in English. Candidates, close relatives of candidates, and people supervised by an elected official on the ballot may not serve.

In Moore County, Metro and state employees may serve, unless they work directly under an elected official on the ballot. Federal employees should check with human resources.

Poll workers should be comfortable with clerical work, problem-solving, and talking clearly with voters and other election workers.

Key dates

• Voter registration deadline: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
• Early voting: Friday, July 17, through Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026
• Absentee ballot request deadline: Monday, July 27, 2026
• Election Day: Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026