Eighteen counties in West Virginia still need more staff for their polling locations, with less than a month until the Nov. 5 general election.
Eighteen counties in West Virginia still need more staff for their polling locations, with less than a month until the Nov. 5 general election.
According to the office of Secretary of State Mac Warner, Berkeley, Boone, Cabell, Fayette, Grant, Hampshire, Kanawha, Marion, Monroe, Nicholas, Ohio, Pleasants, Putnam, Randolph, Ritchie, Summers, Wayne and Wetzel counties are still actively seeking staff.
Local polling locations have struggled with worker recruitment and retention nationwide in recent years. Former workers have cited the COVID-19 pandemic, low pay and safety concerns in a tense political climate as reasons they did not return.
Warner’s office said it takes more than 8,000 paid poll workers to run an election statewide.
In West Virginia, poll workers are typically paid between $100 and $300 for working on Election Day, though the figure varies by county.
The Work Elections Project is a poll worker recruitment initiative led by a Washington, D.C. voting rights nonprofit called the Fair Elections Center. It compiles county-level poll worker pay information.
According to the project, poll workers in the counties denoted above can receive the following pay for working this year’s election:
County
Poll worker pay rate
Berkeley
$300 for completing training and working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Boone
$200 to $270 for working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., plus an additional $50 for completing training.
Cabell
$250 to $325 for completing training and working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some positions also reimburse mileage.
Fayette
$175 for working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., plus an additional $50 for completing training.
Grant
$150 for completing training and working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Hampshire
Information not provided.*
Kanawha
$260 for completing training and working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Marion
$200 for completing training and working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Monroe
$150 for working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Nicholas
$225 for completing training and working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Ohio
$225 for completing training and working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Pleasants
$200 for working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., plus an additional $25 for completing training. Part-day shifts may also be offered. Additional pay is extended to poll workers in supervisory roles or those who drop off supplies at polling locations.
Putnam
$200 for working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., plus an additional $75 for completing training. Some positions reimburse mileage.
Randolph
$200 for working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ritchie
$200 to $250 for completing training and working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Summers
$150 for working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., plus an additional $50 for completing training.
Wayne
$200 to $275 for working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some positions reimburse mileage.
Wetzel
$290 for working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., plus an additional $10 for completing training. Part-day shifts may also be offered.
* Hampshire County’s poll worker pay information was not posted on the Work Elections Project website. A representative at Hampshire County Clerk Eric Strite’s office said Tuesday he was not immediately available for comment. He did not respond to an email requesting clarification on the county’s poll worker pay rate.
Table Credit: Jack Walker/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Residents still have time to register to work next month’s election. To apply to work as a poll worker, visit the secretary of state’s voter dashboard, GoVoteWV.com.
Notably, the city of Clarksburg’s water board will begin a project next year to replace more than 4,000 lead service lines at no cost to residents.
Lead pipes will be replaced statewide with nearly $25 million in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Notably, the city of Clarksburg’s water board will begin a project next year to replace more than 4,000 lead service lines at no cost to residents.
In 2021, thousands of Clarksburg’s residents received water filters after tests showed elevated levels of lead in their drinking water.
Lead lines are common throughout the state. Elevated levels of lead in water can cause developmental problems in children, and even seizures.
Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, the Biden-Harris administration set a goal of replacing all lead service lines within 10 years.
A bill that would provide a tax credit for childcare has cleared the House of Delegates.
The bill, if passed into law by the Senate, will give parents a tax credit that is up tohalf of what they receive for a federal child care tax credit.
Del. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, says the credit provides some help to families to the tune of about $250 per year for the average family. That will pay for about one week of child care.
Young says that will provide minimal help to families who already can afford child care. It won’t address the lack of child care in the state or the many childcare centers that have closed recently.
“I don’t know what those families are going to do. We need to do a whole lot more with childcare,” Young said.
The tax credit is non refundable, meaning that families tax saving could not exceed the amount they owe in state taxes.
Both chambers have now passed a bill to restore 87 million dollars into a Public Employees Insurance Agency reserve fund.
Both chambers have now passed a bill to restore $87 million into a Public Employees Insurance Agency reserve fund.
After unanticipated healthcare plan costs this year, PEIA is short on a required reserve fund, money the insurance company must have on hand to operate. The deficit comes after PEIA had a projected $80 million in planned expense losses, according to Deputy Secretary for the Department of Revenue Mike Muchow speaking at the Joint Committee on Finance this morning.
Muchow explained that PEIA spent more on covering those in the state healthcare program than planned, with increased prescription weight loss drugs driving half of the jump along with high specialty and outpatient care expenses.
Recent PEIA premium increases went into effect in July: 10% for those who opt into the state insurance fund, and 14% for those that opt into PEIA.
The current allocation is a one-time amount, avoiding an unprecedented additional premium hike Jan. 1. But it doesn’t solve long-term coverage cost issues. PEIA does still plan to raise premiums in the next fiscal year, citing rising healthcare costs nationally. The organization’s board will meet Tuesday at 1 p.m. to discuss specific cost-cutting measures.
PEIA covers about 13% of West Virginians, including many legislators and employees at WVPB.
Legislators received a series of bills, passing many smaller-scale budget appropriations on Sept. 30. Leading up to the session, Gov. Jim Justice has framed the special session’s focus around his proposed 5 percent tax cut and addressing the state’s childcare crisis – those bills are either in committee or mid-readings in the House of Delegates and Senate.
Many were surprised to see a bill regarding nuclear waste in the call, and equally confused about what the passage of that bill would mean for the state.
The House Education committee also discussed a bill on Monday afternoon to allow state funding for charter schools, approving it to advance to the House. The special session begins again at 6 p.m. Sunday, following previously scheduled Oct. 6 to Oct. 8 interim meetings during the day.
Jefferson County residents will help decide one of this year’s contested races for the West Virginia Senate.
Roughly one month remains until the Nov. 5 general election. By casting their votes, Jefferson County residents will help decide one of this year’s contested races for the West Virginia Senate.
Incumbent Patricia Rucker, a Republican, has represented Senate District 16 since 2017. Her district encompasses all of Jefferson County, as well as an eastern portion of Berkeley County that includes the county seat of Martinsburg.
But former state lawmaker John Doyle, a Democrat, has announced his bid for the same seat. Doyle served a total of 16 years in the West Virginia House of Delegates, also representing Jefferson County.
As Election Day nears, both candidates met on the debate stage Tuesday evening for a conversation hosted by the Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications. It was held at the Shepherd University Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education in Shepherdstown.
For more than an hour, Rucker and Doyle fielded audience questions that primarily focused on education, environmental protection and health freedoms.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting has compiled a summary of the candidates’ responses to key issues — and provided some of Rucker and Doyle’s stances in their own words.
Families and education
Questions surrounding higher education, the public school system and educational resources in Jefferson County dominated Tuesday’s debate. Members of the audience pressed Rucker and Doyle on their specific plans for education policy.
One area discussion was the local library system. Libraries can receive some funding through school levies, which are property tax increases voted upon by a school district’s residents to fund the local school system. Libraries can also receive funding from county and city governments, plus some private donations.
But Rucker said these sources of funding are “never steady,” and that she has spent the past few years working with fellow lawmakers to boost budget allocations to state libraries. Doyle said he agreed libraries need more money, and that his experience on the House Finance Committee could help him secure this funding.
An audience member asked both candidates whether they would support an increase to higher education funding.
Rucker said the West Virginia Legislature has not made direct cuts to higher education, and that institutions like Shepherd University have received renewed financial support from the state government in recent years.
But Doyle said the state has not provided colleges and universities sufficient funding “to match inflation,” which makes it harder to sustain educational resources.
Doyle:“Historically, I’ve been very suspicious of taxpayer money going to people to send their children to private schools, or to homeschool their children.”
Rucker:“Those who are being left out, those who did not have a choice before we passed [the Promise Scholarship], could not afford it, would not have that opportunity. And how is that fair?”
As the conversation turned to school choice, Rucker said she was in favor of a parent’s right to determine where their child attends school — a stance she has maintained throughout her time in office.
Rucker pointed to the state’s Promise Scholarship program as an example of good school choice policy. The scholarship is a “merit-based financial aid program for West Virginia high school graduates planning to attend one of the state’s public or independent two or four-year institutions,” according to the program website.
“Those who are being left out, those who did not have a choice before we passed this legislation, could not afford it, would not have that opportunity,” she said. “How is that fair?”
Doyle said parents should have the right to school choice, but that funding shouldn’t be funneled away from public schools. He also said the state needs to tighten up protections and check-ins for students who are homeschooled or attending private schools.
“Historically, I’ve been very suspicious of taxpayer money going to people to send their children to private schools, or to homeschool their children,” he said.
Doyle also said he supports the discussion of race and gender in the public school system, whereas Rucker said she does not. Rucker said students should instead focus on “reading, writing, arithmetic and being able to speak well,” given current educational needs in West Virginia classrooms.
The candidates agreed West Virginia teachers need a pay bump. Doyle said teachers in the Eastern Panhandle are especially hurting, due to a higher local cost of living.
The environment
On the environmental front, Doyle said state regulations for coal and natural gas “need to be tighter.” Rucker said she supported the state’s right to protect the environment and natural resources, as well as freedom of energy choice for West Virginia residents.
Doyle said he supports a gradual transition away from coal, while focusing on helping miners retain employment in the energy sector.
“I think coal’s days are pretty close to being over. I think we need to hasten that process as much as we can, but at the same time [make] sure we find alternative jobs for any miners that might be laid off,” he said.
Doyle also said that environmental agencies in West Virginia, namely the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, need more funding to address ongoing staffing issues.
He said new funding could help the department better address ecological issues, like closing the numerous abandoned oil and gas wells across the state.
Rucker said she supports investing in all energy options, but that West Virginians should be able to choose their own energy source. “They all need to compete and be able to compete,” she said.
Natural gas and renewables have become cheaper than coal, but coal still dominates the state’s electricity supply.
Rucker:“I do believe in an equal playing field. I do not want to see us picking winners and losers as a government. They all need to compete and be able to compete.”
Doyle: “I think coal’s days are pretty close to being over. I think we need to hasten that process as much as we can, but at the same time making sure we find alternative jobs for any miners that might be laid off.”
Health and personal choice
In discussions around health care, Rucker reiterated that parents should get to choose whether to vaccinate their children.
While Rucker said she chose to vaccinate her own children, she argued that some individuals have adverse reactions to certain vaccines, and that others have religious concerns with vaccination that should warrant exemption.
“This is one of the many ways in which I think the government should not [be] one size fits all,” she said. “Every single family has unique situations and concerns, and I want to trust the parents to make the decision that’s best for their particular family.”
Doyle said he believes vaccine policies are about where they should be, and that vaccinating children by and large keeps them safe.
“One of the fundamental purposes of government is to protect the health and safety of the public, and that is why I think we need to continue to require vaccination,” he said.
When asked about abortion rights, Rucker said she is a staunch opponent of abortion, but that she has supported investing in resources for parents and expectant mothers.
“I am definitely grateful that in this state, we are protecting life and we’re doing everything we can possible to help women who might be pregnant, might need support,” she said.
Doyle said women should have the right to abortion, and that he would work to repeal the state’s near-total abortion ban and restore reproductive freedom.
“My personal view is that it should be the woman who makes that decision,” he said.
Doyle: “I think Roe v. Wade had it right. West Virginia now has a complete ban on abortion, with a couple of exceptions that I think are pretty narrow.”
Rucker:“Most people know I am very pro-life. I believe all life, all human life, is precious. … We’re doing everything we can possible to help women who might be pregnant, might need support.”
Voter reactions
At various points of the debate, both Rucker and Doyle received audibly affirmative reactions from members of the audience.
Rucker received rounds of applause for her support of parental rights — over where a child goes to school, and what vaccines they receive.
Other times, audience members clapped for Doyle’s opinions, like his vocal support for the right to abortion.
Hedgesville resident and Shepherd University undergraduate Hallie Meyer said she aligned more with Doyle’s opinions on reproductive freedom, and found Rucker’s stances conflicting.
“She believes in personal choice for vaccines and for issues such as school choice,” she said. “I would have liked to see how she thought that tied into the overturning of Roe v Wade.”
Still, Meyer said she appreciated that both candidates came out for a “cordial and civil” discussion on local politics, especially at a college campus.
“I think my generation is getting increasingly more involved in politics,” she said. “We want to move into the political world, because it’s our tomorrow and it’s our future.”
Harpers Ferry resident Carol Richmond praised the candidates for participating in a “respectful” dialogue. She said both candidates demonstrated their ability to problem solve and talk through issues in a bipartisan manner.
Likewise, other attendees said they were simply glad their candidates participated in a thoughtful and neighborly debate. Mary Sell, a farmer from Kearneysville, described the event as “the height of civility.”
Shepherdstown resident Karen Glennon agreed.
“The most important part of this exchange this evening was quality discourse about issues with politeness, with friendliness, with statements of, ‘We disagree,’ and explanations of how and why,” she said. “With no element of personal attack, which is lacking in our political discourse. I think it’s hugely important to see people discuss issues, and not personalities.”
Before the election, the candidates will reconvene for a second debate in the town of Inwood. A date has not yet been announced.
West Virginia residents have until Oct. 15 to register to vote in this fall’s election. For eligible residents, in-person early voting runs from Oct. 23 to Nov. 2, and absentee voting runs from Oct. 29 to Nov. 5.
Election Day this year is Nov. 5, when all registered voters will have the chance to cast their ballots in person.
For more information on this year’s election, visit the secretary of state’s GoVoteWV webpage. To find your assigned polling place, visit the secretary of state’s registration search tool.
Before the election, the candidates will reconvene for a second debate in the town of Inwood. A date has not yet been announced.
The Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications hosted the first of two debates between Jefferson County candidates for the West Virginia Senate on Shepherd University’s campus Tuesday.
Photo Credit: Jack Walker/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
