KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Many poll workers return year after year, but the Kansas City Election Board said it still needs more people.
KCEB said around 1,300 workers are needed for the Nov. 5 election, but the election board is less than 200 away from that target number.
To apply to be an election worker, you need to be a registered Missouri voter, identify your party and attend a mandatory training session.
Shawn Kieffer with KCEB said it’s not too late to apply.
“Without them, the process couldn't even be done. They're the most important, the integral part that makes it happen," Kieffer said. "We appreciate all their efforts. We know it's a long, hard, tough day, and we do appreciate them, and we hope to keep them for many years."
Kieffer said safety concerns have affected hiring this year.
KCEB has seen more aggressive behavior at the polls, which is why KC passed an ordinance over the summer that protects election workers from people disrupting the polls.
If police get involved in those situations, the aggressor faces a fine and jail time.
Even with the extra protection, a Brennan Center Survey found that 68% of election workers and officials experienced threats in 2024.
In Kansas City, security has been increased at polling places.
“When you go to the poll on election, there'll be many polls that have security guards," Kieffer said. "That is for not only our poll workers, the voters, it's for everybody's safety. We have those all over the city."
The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department said an election liaison will handle any issues that arise at polling places.
Additionally, patrol officers are aware of the polling locations and are ready to respond to any disturbances or threats to safety, per KCPD.
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KSHB 41 reporter Olivia Acree covers portions of Johnson County, Kansas. Share your story idea with Olivia.