Poll Workers Needed in Phoenixville

If you’re hoping to get more involved in the community and meet your neighbors, several positions are open for poll workers for the upcoming presidential primary and general election in Phoenixville.

According to Jim Forsythe, director of the county’s Department of Voter Services, Phoenixville Borough has several openings for paid poll workers.

“Our urgent need is full-time people right now,” Forsythe said.

The following precincts/polling places have openings:

• North Three (Episcopal House): Judge of Elections
• Middle One (Borough Hall): Judge of Elections
• West Two (Phoenixville Area Middle School): Judge of Elections
• East One (Phoenixville Public Library): Several full-time clerks needed

Forsythe said he’s not sure why Phoenixville has the most vacancies, but he said he’s hopeful folks will step forward to work on April 24 and Nov. 6.

“It’s a good way of meeting your neighbors, to give back to the community,” he said.

Last year, a postcard campaign helped recruit one worker for a precinct, and Forsythe hopes more people will help out this year. He said the Department of Voter Services won't turn anyone away, so if you're from the borough and have some interest, you can call to see what positions will work for you.

Workers must be 18 or over and have to be registered to vote in Chester County. Elected officials or those running for office are not eligible. Training takes about an hour and a half and training courses are flexible and available during the days and evenings and on Saturdays. Training begins in February.

“We can accommodate anybody’s schedule to get them trained,” Forsythe said, though he noted that Saturday training sessions tend to fill up quickly.

Workers should expect a long day—from about 6 a.m. stretching sometimes until after 10 p.m., but Forsythe said many poll workers find the job interesting and rewarding.

Anyone interested can call the Chester County Department of Voter Services at 610-344-6410 for more information. 

Editor's Note: This article has been changed. It originally incorrectly identified the precinct that votes at Phoenixville Area Middle School. The correct precinct is West Two.