LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fayette County officials are launching an urgent recruitment drive to fill about 1,200 election officer positions ahead of the May 19 primary, warning that smooth operations at 122 voting locations depend on securing enough trained poll workers for what promises to be a closely watched election year.

The County Clerk's Office issued the call for workers to handle the full range of polling operations: welcoming voters, verifying voter registrations, issuing ballots and guiding residents through the voting process. Gilda Waters, Manager of Elections for the Fayette County Clerk's Office, emphasized the scale of the need as the county prepares for both a competitive mayoral primary and multiple state and federal races.

"The deadline to register to vote in the May 19th primary is April 20 by 4 p.m.," the Clerk's Office noted, underlining the compressed timeline for preparation. The primary will determine which two candidates advance to the November 3 general election for mayor. Incumbent Mayor Linda Gorton, seeking a third term, faces multiple challengers including real estate broker Raquel Carter, who has built significant campaign momentum heading into the race.

To ensure fairness, the County Clerk's Office recruits a balance of Republicans, Democrats and Independents as poll workers. Registered voters who serve as election officers receive compensation of $250 for the full day, which typically runs from 5:15 a.m. until polls close and voting machines are shut down, usually around 6:30 or 7 p.m.

Candidates must meet several requirements to qualify. They must be registered voters in the precinct where they'll serve—unless appointed as alternates, who need to be registered in Fayette County. The position requires proficiency in reading and writing English, reliable transportation, and the ability to attend both online and in-person training sessions. Registered 17-year-olds may serve in the primary if they'll turn 18 by the general election.

The Clerk's Office maintains strict restrictions to prevent conflicts of interest. Election officers cannot be candidates themselves or have immediate family members—spouses, parents, siblings or children—running on the ballot in their assigned precincts. Party affiliation deadlines also apply: potential workers cannot change party registration after December 31 of the year before primary appointments, or after the second Tuesday in August for the general election.

Prospective poll workers can apply online at govote.ky.gov, which also allows voters to register or update their registration status. For more information, the Fayette County Board of Elections at 162 East Main Street can be reached at 859-253-8352 or 859-253-8354.