MIFFLINTOWN - With the 2012 election less than a month away, the Juniata County Board of Elections is urging area residents to consider helping at local polling stations.
"We need help," Jeffrey Zimmerman, of the Board of Elections, said. "Right now, we're down eight folks at this point in time."
The county is in search of individuals interested in serving as: Democratic Inspector of Elections, Delaware Township; Republican Inspector of Elections, Fermanagh Township; Democratic Inspector of Elections, Greenwood Township; Judge of Elections, Lack/Lack Precinct; Democratic Inspector of Elections, Lack/Lack Precinct; Republican Inspector of Elections, Mifflin Borough; Democratic Inspector of Elections, Spruce Hill Township; and Democratic Inspector of Elections, Tuscarora/Tuscarora Precinct.
The inspector of elections and judge of elections positions will be filled by appointment of the court. Individuals appointed will hold their position until Dec. 31, 2013.
Zimmerman said newly-appointed election officials will attend a training session at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Juniata Courthouse. On Election Day, they will be sworn in at 6:30 a.m. by the Judge of Elections and will remain at the polling station until all materials are prepared to be turned in at the Voter Registrar's Office at the courthouse. A full day runs until after polls close at 8 p.m.
"You never realize how much work goes into running an election until you're part of it," Zimmerman said.
Though Election Day means long hours spent at the polls, help is needed and appreciated by the Board of Elections. Board member Teresa O'Neal said without public staffing, elections simply can't happen.
Election officials receive a stipend based on how many people vote at their station. Officials are also reimbursed for mileage to and from the polling place.
Those interested in being considered for appointment should contact S. James Bahorik, chief clerk, P.O. Box 68, Mifflintown, PA, 17059 or by phone at 436-7704 before Oct. 24.
