Wayne County’s election board is recruiting paid poll workers for November, and despite the opportunity to reduce voting days in 2027, it will keep the same schedule.
2027 voting access
Clerk of Courts Tara Pegg told the board at its Tuesday, Aug. 11, meeting that members could choose to reduce the number of days in 2027 that voters can cast absentee ballots in the courthouse.
Pegg asked fellow board members Jan Hibner and Maggie Thomas, who represent Republican and Democratic parties respectively, their thoughts. Pegg said some counties have chosen to trim their in-person absentee voting schedules.
The 2027 election includes city government offices for Richmond, such as mayor, and leadership for some Wayne County towns.
Both Hibner and Thomas agreed they didn’t want to reduce voter access in the month leading up to the election because voters have been accustomed to that number of days for several years.
They said they didn’t want to make it harder for people to vote or cause confusion for residents who might not be aware of a change. The board agreed to make no changes in the number of days.
It costs a total of $250 per day to pay two poll workers in the courthouse. Thomas and Hibner agreed that while there’s an opportunity to save money by cutting days, costs are small compared to an election’s overall costs, including staffing, printing and postage. The 2019 primary election cost $31,628.79, and the 2023 general election cost an estimated $62,201.
Poll worker pay
Board members aim to correct a widespread belief that poll workers are volunteers.
They’re hopeful that ending that misconception could help with recruitment. The majority of Wayne County poll workers earn $175 on Election Day; longtime workers with more responsibilities earn a little more.
To work, they must be registered voters and represent their political party while serving. Applications are available at wwn.to/wcpollworker. They hope to have most workers recruited by early September before training is offered.
For more information, call the voter registration office at 765-973-9304.
Other 2026 updates
Equipment test: November voting equipment will be tested at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14, at the courthouse, 301 E. Main St. The election board’s monthly meeting will take place at 11 a.m. that day. Both events are open to the public.
Mailed ballots: Qualifying voters (65-plus, homebound, etc.) now can request absentee ballots be mailed to them starting Sept. 18. Both political parties must have a representative initial the ballots before mailing. To request voting by mail or a traveling board, call 765-973-9226.
Schedule: Voter registration ends Oct. 5; in-person absentee voting starts Oct. 6 in the courthouse. Vote centers are open Oct. 26-Oct. 30 plus two Saturdays (Oct. 24 and 31). Election Day is Nov. 3. The full schedule is available at wwn.to/votecenters26.
Feedback: Pegg said the primary election inspector at Centerville’s new vote center location, Centerville Church of the Nazarene, said the site worked well for voters and poll workers. It will continue in November.
A version of this article will appear in the August 19 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
