One of the most important jobs we as American citizens have is letting our voices be heard at the ballot box.

In order for us to do that, we rely on the poll workers who help make each of those polling places operate without a hitch.

Yet elections officials around the Ohio Valley are searching for more people to fill that crucial role.

Eberle Ferrell, director of the Belmont County Board of Elections, recently said she is looking for more poll workers in her county, especially Democrats, as each polling place needs bipartisan representation among its workforce.

Among the keys to free and fair elections is having a robust and effective group of poll workers that keep polling sites running smoothly. Now more than ever, it is important that the voting process remain transparent and fair. That becomes more difficult when fewer people are working the polls to ensure it. Poll workers are paid for their training and work, so it won’t go uncompensated.

The Belmont County Board of Elections can be reached at 740-526-0188.

Ferrell said the county needs 276 total poll workers, which would place four workers at each precinct.

Those who choose to become poll workers must undergo a training session that lasts two and a half to three hours, Ferrell added.

That training is offered between Sept. 29 and Oct. 3 at the board of elections office, located at 52180 National Road, St. Clairsville.

Poll workers are compensated for their time, Ferrell added. Each individual who attends and completes training receives $125 even if they are not placed at a voting location on Election Day. Those who work the polls on Election Day receive a base pay of $133.

So, consider signing up and making a little extra cash — it’s a great way to serve your country.