For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 29, 2024
Contact: Genevieve Greene, ggreene@seventy.org, 617-785-6991
Philadelphia, PA – For the fourth consecutive year, the Committee of Seventy, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, launched its poll worker and poll watcher virtual information sessions in advance of the April 23, 2024 primary election. Between March 1st and April 22nd, Seventy and the LWVPA will host nearly 30 sessions designed for both new and experienced poll workers and poll watchers.
“Democracy works better when we earn and hold trust: in local election officials, in the integrity of our systems, and in each other,” said Seventy President and CEO Lauren Cristella. “The best way to do that is by getting involved and becoming a part of the democratic process, which is why we need Pennsylvanians to answer the call and become poll workers. They are the foundation of our democratic system and without them it would be impossible to hold our elections.”
Sessions will be led by Jeff Greenburg, a Senior Advisor on Election Administration for Seventy. Greenburg served as an election director for Mercer County, PA, from 2007-2020 and has trained more than 10,000 poll workers.
“This is a great opportunity for someone who might be thinking about becoming a poll worker, but would like to learn a little about the position first before making a commitment,” Greenburg said. “Our program focuses on state law that oversees our polling places so the information is valuable for individuals in any county in the state.”
These sessions aim to supplement the required trainings by Pennsylvania counties, covering the basics of working the polls in Pennsylvania and giving additional details on important procedures. In addition to providing general information, there will also be sessions on serving as a poll watcher, the e-poll books used in Philadelphia, and open-ended Q&A.
“Working the polls is a great way to get involved and make a difference in your community. Elections would not run smoothly without the support of dedicated citizens in communities across the Commonwealth, and poll workers and watchers actively empower voters every single election. We encourage folks who may be interested in learning more to sign up and attend a session,” said Dr. Amy Widestrom, Executive Director for the LWVPA.
More information on the sessions, the schedule, and signing up, as well as additional resources for poll workers and poll watchers, can be found on Seventy’s website here.