Starke County Election Board Considers Resolutions for Poll Worker Hours

Posted on September 20, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

The Starke County Election Board members considered resolutions for poll worker hours during absentee voting hours at the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library and the second floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse, but not before a lengthy discussion about offering a time for lunch during a meeting Thursday afternoon.

Board member Harrison Fields suggested adding a time for lunch for the workers on the days where they work eight hours.  It was originally thought that the workers could take a lunch with them and just eat during the time they’re there, but some don’t feel it’s proper to eat while a voter is ready to cast a ballot.

By law, Fields said the workers should get time to eat lunch.

“People out here in the world today still work through lunchtime. They don’t take a lunch.  They don’t get paid.  They just keep working.  I’m opposed to that.  Everybody should have a lunch,” stated Fields.

The board voted unanimously to provide a 30 minute lunch break for poll workers.

A pair of resolutions was approved to include the timing for lunch on the two days where the workers are anticipated to work at least eight hours.

The poll workers work an hour before and an hour after absentee voting in order to travel to and from the polling site and to set up and take down the voting machines.

Board members have established a satellite in-person absentee voting location at the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library. Polls will be open there on Thursday October 17 and Thursday, October 24 from noon to 6:00 p.m.; Friday, October 18 and Friday, October 25 from noon to 5:00 p.m.; plus Saturday, October 19 and Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Voters can also cast their ballots early at the Starke County Courthouse in Knox on Saturday, November 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Monday, November 4 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Voters meeting certain requirements may also request to vote by mail by contacting the Starke County Clerk’s Office.