More poll workers are needed for the upcoming elections, and training sessions are still being provided for those wanting to work the polls.

Republican Executive Committee Chairman Reggie Hanberry said in a telephone interview on Wednesday that at least 25 more workers are needed. A minimum of six workers, three workers per party, should work at each of the 34 precincts, Hanberry said.

Current scheduled training sessions will be held today at the courthouse in Poplarville from 6 to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, July 24, at Magnolia Columns in Picayune from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday, July 26 again at Magnolia Columns from 9 to 11 a.m.

If extra training sessions are needed, they will be provided, but state law says workers must be trained within five days of the election, Hanberry said.

Training will be for general poll workers as well as for managers who are responsible for the voting machines.

Reimbursement is provided to workers at a rate of $125 per day for election days. Training is paid at $12 per hour, with a minimum of four training hours of training required for general workers, and six hours required for managers.

The only requirements to be a poll worker are that an individual be a registered voter and live in the county in which they will be working. One does not have to live in the precinct worked, however. For example, a resident of Poplarville may work a precinct in Picayune, Hanberry said.

No affiliation is needed to work the polls either, Hanberry said.

“We say we’re working for one side or the other (Democratic or Republican), but we’re trying to keep that as small an issue as possible. You’re not anything but a poll worker having a straightforward, honest election,” Hanberry said.

The primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 7, with any run-offs to be held on Tuesday, Aug. 28. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 6.