Brooke County officials preparing for November election

WELLSBURG - While the general election is still three months away, Brooke County officials want to make certain they are ready.

Commissioners took time Tuesday to recognize National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, a day established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to inspire civic engagement and encourage people to step forward and serve as poll workers.

"We are in need of polls workers, as always," Elections Clerk Dale Butler announced during Tuesday’s Brooke County Commission meeting. "I’m ready to sign them up."

Butler explained those who sign up to serve will be required to go through training, with those participating then working at their assigned polling location from 5:30 a.m. until the polls close - typically around 7:30 p.m. Supervisors will then collect the necessary equipment, taking them to the county courthouse where votes are tabulated.

Butler said she and County Clerk Kim Barbetta are usually on hand until the final votes are counted and transmitted to the state elections officials.

"It’s a long day. It’s worth every minute. It’s democracy in action," Butler said.

In exchange for working the polls, individuals receive $20 for the training and $250 for working on election day.

Commissioner Tom Diserio thanked Butler for his continuous work in preparation of elections, along with spreading the word for the need of poll workers in the county.

"Every day is National Poll Worker Day in her eyes," Diserio said.

Commissioners also approved the adoption of an emergency absentee voting policy, which provides steps an individual may take in the event they are in a hospital or other health care facility on Election Day.

"We have to do a voting policy twice a year, every other year, before the election," Barbetta said.

She explained nothing has changed in the terms of the policy.

Information about voting in Brooke County may be found through the county’s website, with Butler available at (304) 737-3668, Option 1, or by email at dbutler@clerk.state.wv.us

In other business Tuesday, commissioners:

Approved a proposal to switch all county 911 employees from salary to hourly positions, with 12-hour shifts, effective Sept. 1;

Announced they continue to advertise for two seats on the Northern Panhandle HOME Consortium Council. Those interested may send a letter to the County Clerk’s Office.