Providence, R.I. – After experiencing poll‑worker shortages that slowed voting at several precincts during last month’s primary, the city’s Board of Canvassers is moving quickly to bolster staffing for the upcoming general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Additional hires and backup plan
Michael Narducci, Providence’s administrator of elections, announced that the city plans to hire “probably about 500 to 600 election officials to work the polls on Election Day.” He added that the city already has that number “plus some” and is continuing to recruit more volunteers.
To attract candidates, the city is offering a stipend of $250 to $300 per worker. Narducci noted that the general election gives the city an advantage because municipal employees can be called upon to staff polling places, expanding the pool of available workers.
In addition to the hiring push, the city will station backup workers at City Hall on Election Day morning. Those volunteers can be dispatched quickly to any precinct that experiences unexpected absences, helping to prevent the delays seen in the recent primary.
Primary absenteeism prompted the response
The Board of Canvassers reported roughly 70 poll‑worker absences during the primary. Officials said many workers called in sick, and similar staffing challenges have been reported across Rhode Island.
“It seems like we’re okay and we’re ready to go, but we’re always looking,” Narducci said, emphasizing the city’s proactive stance.
Early voting numbers
At the time of the interview, about 2,900 Providence voters had already cast ballots early, indicating strong voter engagement ahead of the general election.
While NBC 10 has requested statewide poll‑worker absentee data from the Rhode Island Board of Elections, that information was not yet available.
What voters need to know
Voters can verify their assigned polling location and view a sample ballot online before heading to the polls on Nov. 3. The city encourages anyone able to serve as a poll worker to sign up, noting that a well‑staffed election helps preserve the integrity and efficiency of the voting process.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
