Wanted: election workers.

Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew said he may call on businesses, organizations and even City Hall to help bolster his list of workers for the elections.

In the days leading up to the Nov. 7 general election, the clerk’s office had to scramble to fill about 20 vacancies among those slated to work at polling sites.

“It was mostly due to sickness,” Shew said. “There was some sort of a flu bug going around.”

The county has a list of about 500 people who may be available to work on Election Day, Shew said. During last week’s election, 300 workers were used.

Many of the election workers who work at polling sites have been with the county for years and are getting older, Shew said.

“We have great people who are very dedicated who work at the polls now, but I think we need to look at different options,” he said.

Election workers receive $85 for their services. Election judges are paid $100 plus mileage because they must transport voting materials. Election workers also are paid for training.

Shew said he is considering asking private businesses and organizations to allow employees and members to work at polling sites with those businesses helping with the pay. It is a method that has been tried successfully in Johnson County, he said.

Last week, seven workers from Douglas County government offices who wanted to work at the polls on Election Day were allowed to and received their normal wages. In the past, county employees had to take a day of vacation if they wanted to work at the polls, Shew said.

City government offices might be approached about allowing employees to be paid election workers, he said. A small group of high school students also helped with this year’s election. State law allows 16- and 17-year-olds to work the polls.

On election days, poll workers go to work at 6 a.m. and remain on the job until after 7 p.m.

“That’s a very long day, and they can’t leave,” Shew said.

Shew said he would like to offer election workers the opportunity to work split shifts, but the law doesn’t allow it. He said he has talked with local legislators about changing the law.

“I think it’s just a matter of thinking outside the box,” Shew said.