Ohio right to focus on poll worker amount, aptitude ahead of big election

As Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose's office prepares for a $1 million initiative to recruit and train another 40,000 poll workers before November, the folks at the local level understand this isn't about volume as much as it is about preparedness. LaRose says the effort updates requirements and resources to ensure poll workers are prepared to serve voters professionally, efficiently and in accordance with Ohio law. And Mandy Amos, director of the Washington County Board of Elections says that's got a lot to do with the anticipation ahead of hotly contested races for governor and other high-profile seats. "They are expecting a lot of voter turnout this year," Amos said. The initiative will help poll workers get updated training on matters such as voter photo ID procedures, provisional voting, polling location setup and closing, required signage, de-escalation and conflict resolution, election integrity and security, and proper polling place management. It's a lot to get right, all in one day. "Successful elections begin long before election day," LaRose said. "By investing in recruitment and training now, we are helping our counties build strong, prepared teams that can serve voters with confidence and professionalism."Counties are not going to be able to get away with the bare minimum in poll workers this time around. As Amos put it, more poll workers will mean things run more efficiently for voters. That could lead to less drama on a day that will already have plenty of it. LaRose is right to be launching an effort to help meet that goal, but his office can't pull it off alone. If you see recruitment efforts, consider whether you could be part of making it all go off without a hitch Nov. 3.