Starke Election Board Member Says Poll Workers Threatening to Quit over Lack of Meals

Posted on October 25, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

Meal changes could lead to a shortage in poll workers, warns Starke County Election Board Member Harrison Fields. “I’ve been talking to some of these poll workers,” he told the rest of the election board Wednesday. “We’re going to be faced with a major problem come next spring because every one of these poll workers that worked in the past told me personally they refuse to work because the council changed the meal situation. None of these poll workers that worked in the past – not one – told me they will work in the spring because of that issue.”

Under the 2020 budget adopted by the Starke County Council, meals will no longer be provided to poll workers on Election Day. In exchange, each poll worker will get a $10 pay raise.

But Fields said that’s not what the poll workers want, based on the results of a survey from a few years ago. “A large majority, way over 50 percent, they wanted the three meals furnished morning, noon, and dinner, and we had some serious problems,” he added. “I recall I think there were two locations. One was the county garage and one was Washington Township, Someone delivered all three meals in the morning. No refrigeration.”

It was pointed out that one of the main reasons for the change was concerns about food allergies and other dietary restrictions. Board President Marcia Bedrock said if someone on a restricted diet were to get the wrong meal, it could be a major problem. “In this day and age, are we, then, responsible for providing three meals a day per person that meet their dietary needs, and can we be sure that the meal is delivered for that person meets those needs?” Bedrock asked. “It’s a huge liability, and I’m really not sure why that hasn’t been addressed before.”

When it comes to making sure there are enough poll workers, Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel said that’s the precinct committeemen’s responsibility. If they’re unable to do it, it’s up to the party chairs and then, finally, the election board. However, the clerk pointed out that they have until April to turn in their poll worker lists for the May primary. On top of that, the proposed switch to vote centers would significantly reduce the number of poll workers needed.