• 500 Vacancies for Poll Workers

The Franklin County Board of Elections, Ohio has said that interpreters in multiple languages have been provided for voters who may not speak or understand English language.

Spokesperson for the Board, Aaron Sellers told New Americans magazine that, “the Franklin County Board of Elections accommodates all voters that come to our in-person voting center.’

“Under Ohio law, every voter has the right to bring someone to be an interpreter or to provide any assistance that a voter might want,” said Aaron Sellers.

“In the event that a voter does not have someone to assist, the board has employees at our in-person center who are fluent in multiple languages that can assist voters as an interpreter.”

He said that board regretted an incident that took place on Monday, February 24, 2020 “if anyone was informed otherwise.”

“There was a misunderstanding based on a language issue on Monday, February 24, 2020 between a voter and a staff member in the early vote center. The issue in question has been addressed and resolved.”

Meanwhile, the Franklin County Board of Elections is still looking for an additional 500 Precinct Election Officials (poll worker) for the March 17, 2020 primary election.

Ohio law requires that Democrats and Republicans have equal representation at each voting location. Registered unaffiliated voters can also work as a poll worker.

The board will employ around 3,200 poll workers to staff Franklin County’s 346 Election Day voting locations.

To become a poll worker applicant must meet the minimum requirements listed below:

• Be a registered voter in Franklin County
• Enjoy working with people
• Willing to attend a training session
• Available to work current election
• Have reliable transportation
• Never been convicted of a felony

All poll workers that work Election Day are compensated for their time and training.

Persons interested in becoming a poll worker can call at (614) 525-5393 or visiting http://workelectionday.com.

Looking to raise funds for a service or sports organization? Our Service Organizations for Democracy program allows you and your members to serve our community and make money in the process. Program based on minimum of 10 individuals completing training and serving on Election Day. Interested groups please call (614) 525-5397 or email acslane@vote.franklincountyohio.gov.

Spokesperson for the board, Aaron Sellers said that, “The Franklin County Board of Elections is committed to conducting fair and impartial elections that are well organized and professionally managed-something that would be impossible without the assistance of registered voters serving as poll workers.”