Secretary LaRose announces $1 million grant to strengthen poll worker recruitment, training 

COLUMBUS — Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced today the latest statewide initiative to support Ohio’s county boards of elections as they recruit and train nearly 40,000 precinct election officials ahead of the November General Election.
 
Directive 2026-25 provides county boards of elections with updated requirements and resources to ensure poll workers are prepared to serve voters professionally, efficiently, and in accordance with Ohio law. Precinct election officials, commonly known as poll workers, serve on bipartisan teams and play a critical role in assisting voters, resolving issues at polling locations, and protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
 
“Poll workers are the backbone of Election Day operations,” said Secretary LaRose. “Their service ensures that every eligible voter can cast a ballot in a fair, secure, and orderly election. This directive gives our county boards the resources and guidance they need to recruit, train, and prepare the men and women who make Election Day possible.”
 
To help counties meet this responsibility, the Secretary of State’s office will provide a total of $1 million in grant funding to boards of elections. Funds will be allocated based on the number of registered voters in each county, with each county receiving a minimum grant of $1,000. The funding is intended exclusively for poll worker recruitment and training activities.
 
Under the directive, county boards are required to recruit and train at least 15 percent more poll workers than the statutory minimum, with a recommended goal of reaching a 30 percent reserve pool. This additional recruitment is intended to help counties prepare for anticipated high turnout and ensure adequate coverage in the event of cancellations, illness, or other last-minute needs on Election Day.
 
All precinct election officials, regardless of prior experience, must receive updated and comprehensive training before the November General Election. Boards may use the Secretary of State’s updated poll worker training materials or certify that their locally developed training program provides comparable instruction. Required training topics include voter photo ID procedures, provisional voting, polling location setup and closing procedures, required signage, de-escalation and conflict resolution, election integrity and security, and proper polling place management.
 
The Secretary of State’s office will also provide counties with recruitment strategies, marketing resources, the PEO Handbook, Quick Reference Guide, and access to the Ohio Poll Worker training module to support both training completion and assignment tracking.
 
“Successful elections begin long before Election Day,” LaRose said. “By investing in recruitment and training now, we are helping our counties build strong, prepared teams that can serve voters with confidence and professionalism.”
 
County boards may use grant funding for approved expenses such as recruitment advertising, training facility rentals, external trainers or contractors for training-related services, and printing or reproduction of training materials. Boards must submit the required grant agreement and training attestation, if applicable, before funds are disbursed.
 
Ohioans interested in serving as poll workers can learn more by contacting their county board of elections or visiting OhioSoS.gov/BeAPollWorker.