LOCK HAVEN — As the May 19 Primary nears, the Clinton County Voter Registration Office is looking for registered voters to serve as poll workers for the upcoming election.

Voter Registrar Maria Boileau said her office is currently seeking poll workers for the Primary Election and the General Election, slated for Tuesday, Nov. 3.

“Every year, elections in Clinton County are made possible by citizens who step up to serve. Poll workers play a critical role in ensuring elections run smoothly by assisting voters, managing check-in processes and helping facilitate the voting experience at polling locations across the county,” Boileau told The Express.

She added that poll workers are responsible for closing out the polling place at the end of the night and returning materials to the Elections Office at 2 Piper Way, Lock Haven.

“The county relies on these individuals to uphold fair, accurate and secure elections,” she continued.

Those interested in becoming a poll worker must attend a mandatory training prior to election day. They are compensated for the training and time spent at the polling place. Boileau said these workers earn $195 for a full day of poll work on Election Day.

Duties on election day begin at 6 a.m. and continue until after the polls close at 8 p.m.

Boileau said the easiest way to start the process of becoming a poll worker is by completing the Department of State’s poll worker interest form online at www.pa.gov/services/vote/apply-to-become-an-election-poll-worker

Individuals who submit the form will have their information sent directly to the Clinton County Voter Registration Office for consideration.

Anyone with questions may also contact Boileau’s office by email at voter@clintoncountypa.gov or by calling 570-893-4019.

“Serving as a poll worker is a direct way to support your community and strengthen the integrity of elections,” Boileau said.

In other election-related news there are a few dates to keep in mind for those voting in the Primary Election.

The final day to register to vote is Monday, May 4.

In a press release from Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, the final day to file for a mail-in ballot is Tuesday, May 12.

Schmidt noted the method has become popular amongst residents within Pennsylvania.

“Voting by mail is a popular, safe and secure option for Pennsylvanians to cast their ballots and make their voices heard,” Schmidt said. “Eligible Pennsylvanians who prefer to vote by mail should apply today to ensure they have time to receive, mark and return their ballot.”

Mail ballot applications for Clinton County must be received by the Voter Registration Office by 5 p.m. on May 12.

Upon receiving their mail ballot, voters should:

— Carefully read all instructions enclosed with the ballot.

— Fill out the ballot by following the instructions on how to mark candidate selections.

— Seal the ballot in the yellow secrecy envelope marked “official election ballot.”

— Seal the yellow secrecy envelope in the outer return envelope.

— Sign and date the outer return envelope.

Completed mail ballots must be received by the voter registration office by 8 p.m. on May 19, Primary Day. Mail ballots received after that time cannot be counted.

Clinton County also offers a drop box at the government building, 2 Piper Way, Lock Haven. According to information on the county’s website, the box is open 24/7 until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

County residents may also request their mail ballot, complete it and return it in one visit at the voter registration office until the end of business day on May 12.

In the release from Schmidt’s office, it was noted voters who received an absentee or mail-in ballot may still vote in-person on Election Day. However, they must bring the mail ballot materials to their polling place to be surrendered.

Voters who requested a mail ballot and did not receive it or do not have it to surrender may vote by provisional ballot at their polling place, the release notes.