North County polling places face staffing shortage
Elections Office seeks additional poll inspectors
– The San Luis Obispo County Elections Office is seeking additional poll workers and inspectors ahead of Election Day on June 2.
County officials said several North County voting locations remain understaffed, and inspector positions remain unfilled at eight polling places.
Inspectors are required to work a full day and are responsible for overseeing polling place operations from the opening of voting at 7 a.m. through closing procedures at approximately 9 p.m. Inspectors also work with precinct assistants and Elections Office staff to address issues that arise during the day.
Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano said recruiting the more than 600 poll workers needed to operate polling places throughout the county has become more difficult in recent years.
“When you add in the fact that it’s the end of the school year, the start of summer vacations, and a primary election, it has just become even tougher,” Cano said.
Last week, the Elections Office trained hundreds of poll workers on polling place operations. Officials said make-up training remains available for people willing to serve.
“We have infrastructure in place to support all of our poll workers and inspectors, who are fundamental to the success of Election Day,” Cano said. “But unless we have enough willing community members step up, there simply won’t be enough people to legally open every planned polling place.”
The Elections Office said make-up training will be available Saturday, May 30, and by special arrangement if needed.
Officials said polling place consolidations may be required if staffing shortages continue. Any changes would be communicated to affected voters over the weekend and on Monday.
