Election Volunteers Anticipate A Long Night

Voters all over the state of Idaho are casting their ballots in the state’s first primary election. While many are hitting the polls to make their opinion heard, there is one part of the election process that gets overlooked — the volunteers.

“If we could have our pajamas with us, that would be great because it’s going to be a long night,” said Michele Harmon, an elections office employee.

For Michele Harmon, election season is pretty hectic. While she’s a relatively new employee to the office, she said she’s gained a lot of experience in the three months she’s worked there.

“I got hired a couple of weeks before the caucus, which led into the school bond election, so this is my second election that I’ve worked. It’s been a whirlwind,” said Harmon.

The 50 precincts in Bonneville County turn out about 250 volunteers, who will put their lives on hold to help voters cast their ballots.

On average, volunteers go through about six hours of training to help meet the needs of voters. It’s a job that they said is worth their time.

“I wanted to be involved. Not necessarily to run a campaign, but for the voting process itself,” said Joelene Hendricks, a volunteer. “What a privilege we have as Americans.”

To find out more about your precinct or the candidates and issues you’ll be voting on in your area, visit www.IdahoVotes.gov or click this link/