Local municipalities secure enough poll workers for spring primary

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58)-- Local municipalities have enough poll workers for the spring primary on Tuesday, Feb. 15.

About 1,400 people signed up to work at Milwaukee polls, according to City of Milwaukee Election Commission Deputy Director Jonatan Zuniga.

"That's just right over what we actually need," Zuniga told CBS 58.

Wauwatosa only needs about 30 poll workers, according to Clerk Steve Braatz.

"I have well over 150 poll workers to choose from," Braatz said.

The interest is a stark difference from two years ago when Governor Tony Evers ordered hundreds of National Guard troops to fill worker shortages at polls.

Even with enough workers for Tuesday, local clerks are making sure they have back-ups.

"I would say there is no relief, because we are still in a pandemic," Zuniga said. "People still are calling to cancel working on Election Day. They test positive for COVID-19, they get other symptoms, and we want to protect all of our election workers and voters."

Milwaukee is proving KN95 masks for all poll workers.

Clerks are already recruiting for later in the year.

"Keep recruiting and keep training poll workers, so that we are in a good place come the fall elections," Zuniga said.

Milwaukee trained about 130 new poll workers since January, with more classes to come in March.

Clerks are looking for people who want to take on the duty of democracy.

"You have to be open with people," Braatz said. "You have to be fair and impartial no matter what side of the spectrum you're on."

Voters are recommended to visit myvote.wi.gov before Tuesday.

There's information on voting locations, ballots and frequently asked questions.