HARRISBURG, Pa. — As Pennsylvanians prepare to head to the polls later this spring, state officials are pushing to get more people to work them, like Diane "Bunny" Yorty of South Hanover Township, Dauphin County.
“I’ve been working as a poll worker for over 25 years," Yorty said. "I lost count."
The Dauphin County volunteer says she enjoys serving her community, as she has since the 1990s.
Yorty is one of tens of thousands of poll workers in Pennsylvania, a role Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt says the state needs more of.
Schmidt and other state officials made stops across Central Pennsylvania on Tuesday hoping to recruit more volunteers on Help America Vote Day.
"Some polling places can get by with a three but really optimal you want five," Schmidt said, "To make sure things move quickly folders can show up caster vote, and then go about their day."
The Shapiro administration also hopes to beef up the number of volunteers before voters head to the ballot box for the primaries in April.
"It's because of [poll workers] that you can cast your vote and have your vote counted," Schmidt continued.
Volunteers like Treva Aldinger say they're happy to step up so voters can show up.
“It is a gift just to be there and take part in something that needs to be done," she said.
If you think it's early to discuss elections, we're just 84 days away from Pennsylvania’s primaries on April 23.
To find out how to become a poll worker, check out the Department of State's website and fill out a Poll Worker Interest Form. You can also contact your local election official.