Election year is here, and with that opportunity comes the need for volunteers to help make the process possible.

As the May 19, 2026 primary election approaching, Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen is encouraging residents to serve as poll workers, emphasizing the vital role they play in administering elections across the state.

“Poll workers are essential members of the elections administration team. They work hard from sun up to sun down on Election Day at every polling place across our state,” Allen said.

“As Secretary of State, I will always support our hardworking election officials across the state and ensure they have everything they need to administer the safest and most secure elections in the country.”

Allen also highlighted the state’s Heroes at the Polls program, which is designed to help counties recruit Alabama veterans to serve as poll workers.

RELATED: Alabama poll workers to receive pay raise

“Our veterans have defended our constitutional right to vote time and again. This makes them uniquely qualified to safeguard election integrity as voters exercise their constitutional right,” Allen said.

“The integrity, patriotism, and strong work ethic required for military service make our veterans ideal candidates to serve as poll workers.”

To qualify, poll workers must be registered voters in the county where they wish to serve and are appointed by a county appointing board consisting of the probate judge, sheriff, and circuit clerk.

Poll workers are also required to attend training administered by their county probate judge prior to each election.

Qualified individuals interested in serving can apply by completing a poll worker application available through the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].