Philipone stated that he has pre-existing conditions which could make it difficult if he gets COVID. “I will be wearing a mask, and I’ll have a shield. It’s important to be careful and avoid anyone who doesn’t have one. Cynthia Philipone, a DeSoto poll worker also said that “Mississippi is doing nothing” regarding mandating voters wear masks, or allowing widespread early voting or mail-in voting. Cynthia Philipone asked, “What is the governor thinking?” What is the Legislature thinking?” Cynthia Philipone asked. Republicans vote, and they get COVID too. It’s not a Democrats-only illness.” However, the Philipones plan to continue their work and help Mississippians vote on Tuesday. Pamela McKelvy Hamner (52), from Southaven said that she signed up as a poll manager to better understand the voting process, and to help voters understand their rights. She stated that she has witnessed voter suppression and intimidation in the past elections and is determined to fight them. McKelvy Hamner plans to continue working the polls despite some health issues. She said that she also bought her own masks as well as sanitizer. She expressed concern about the danger to older voters. There have been some shortages of poll workers in the United States due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, state and local election officials in Mississippi stated that although there were some problems with older workers opting out, they expect most Mississippi precincts will be fully staffed. Many will actually have additional workers on Tuesday to help with sanitation, personal protective equipment, and other pandemic-related issues. Secretary of State Michael Watson said this week that he had not heard of a shortage of Mississippi poll workers. His office doesn’t have any numbers about additional workers — that’s up to the county. However, his office has provided nearly $255,000 in federal funding to counties to hire more poll workers and another $745,000 for pandemic expenses. This could include hiring more workers. The state has allocated more than $4 million to counties for election expenses, PPE, and other related expenses. Watson stated that his office created an online portal called “Poll Worker Portal” for recruiting poll workers in all counties. More than 9,800 people have signed up. Watson stated that this was something Watson had planned to do before the pandemic. It is similar to other states’ portals and should assist in recruiting poll workers for future elections. Watson stated that he visited Yalobusha County’s circuit clerk weeks ago and asked him “Do you have enough poll workers?” He replied, “Yes, it’s tight. Watson stated that if anyone gets sick or drops out, then we will have problems. We checked the portal and found that there were 30 people who had signed up for his County. He now has a bullpen full of additional workers, if he requires them.” However, Steve Cummings (an election commissioner in Yalobusha County) said that there are still problems with hiring and keeping poll workers. Cummings stated that there are two major concerns: age and masks. Cummings stated that he had a trainee who didn’t want the mask and dropped out of training. Cummings said, “We’re likely going to be OK. But it’s been very difficult to locate them. Your older people are the most hesitant. You can only say, “I understand.”” Thesalia Merivaki, an assistant professor of American Politics at Mississippi State University, is a researcher whose research is focused on election reform, administration, voter education, and transparency in election data. It is difficult to recruit and retain poll workers even in normal times. State election operations are not transparent and decentralized, she said. Merivaki stated that although we don’t know how things will turn out on Nov. 3, she believes most counties will remain short-staffed. This is due to the increased responsibilities of poll workers in the face of the pandemic and high turnout. “… It is always challenging – it’s difficult work, long days, they’re low paid.” However, many elected officials in larger counties told Mississippi Today that they are happy with the situation and expect smooth elections despite the expected high turnout and pandemic. Kelly Wedgeworth, Rankin County’s election commissioner, said that so far things have been “truly, so good.” “We have pulled out extra poll workers… I have added depending on the size the precinct, 2 to 3 more workers at each precinct in my district… We have the PPE in, packed, and ready… I’m pretty happy with where we are.” Shelia L. Landsell, a Lee County election commission, stated that four of her older poll workers had opted out of this election. However, they gave ample notice and were replaced. Landsell stated that she has additional poll workers for her district who will be focusing on PPE, and even a “social ditancing floordirector” who will make sure voters aren’t too close to precincts. Landsell stated that some of her precincts were in fire stations. She also said that the bay doors would be open at polling places and that items have been moved around to permit social distancing. Landsell stated that the circuit clerk had done a lot of preparation and preplanning. “We would have been in serious trouble if she hadn’t done so. However, I believe Lee County is in good health.” Toni Jo Diaz of Harrison County, an election commissioner, stated that the county’s “seasoned poll workers” plan to continue working, and that the county has also hired more. Diaz stated that there have been some issues, but nothing serious enough to worry about. I would have 45 to 50 workers in her district for a normal election. I am currently at 65 and have 20,000 voters. Mississippi is considered “bottom-up” in terms of elections. They are not run by a central commission or secretary of state. Watson stated that even in the face of a global pandemic, he doesn’t see any reason for that to change. However, he noted that the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the National Guard, and the state have “worked seamlessly with local governments” to get PPE ready for elections. Watson stated, “They know their voter best.” Watson stated that the government closest to the people governs the best. But, some question why the state hasn’t done more to protect voters and poll workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mississippi is the only country in which all eligible voters can vote in person on Election Day. Mississippi spent less on early voting and voting by mail expansion than other states. Absentee voting still requires one excuse that does not include COVID-19 risk. The September end saw Gov. Tate Reeves repealed the statewide mask mandate — making it the first state to do so. Reeves and Watson both stated that requiring voters to use masks to vote is an infraction to the Constitution, even though poll workers are required by law to do so. McKelvy Hamner stated that the state should have done more. The poll worker stated that there are many older people who will die of COVID. “Mississippi ought to be ashamed. What would you do to prevent people from voting early in a national pandemic? … The suppression of voter intimidation.” You can support this work by making a regular donation to the Spring Member Drive. This will allow us to continue important work such as this one.