SLO County faces ‘critical’ poll worker shortage ahead of election next week
San Luis Obispo County is facing what it called a “critical” volunteer poll worker staffing shortage ahead of the June 2 primary election.
Eight facilities remain short-staffed just six days before the election, and some North County polling places could be consolidated if positions remain unfilled, a Wednesday news release from the SLO County Clerk-Recorder’s Office said.
The SLO County elections office is calling on community members to serve at several North County polling locations on Tuesday, the release said.
“We have infrastructure in place to support all of our poll workers and inspectors, who are fundamental to the success of Election Day,” SLO County clerk-recorder Elaina Cano said in the release. “But unless we have enough willing community members step up, there simply won’t be enough people to legally open every planned polling place.”
Cano said recruiting more than 600 poll workers to run and manage dozens of polling places has become increasingly challenging over the past few years.
“When you add in the fact that it’s the end of the school year, the start of summer vacations, and a primary election, it has just become even tougher,” she said.
The elections office is specifically seeking people to serve inspector roles, the release said. Inspectors are expected to work a full day, ensuring that the polling site is properly set up and staffed by the beginning of voting at 7 a.m. through the packing up of the location at 9 p.m.
Inspectors must also work with precinct assistants and elections office staff to problem-solve any issues that arise on Election Day.
The elections office is holding a make-up poll worker training on Saturday and will conduct other trainings as necessary, according to the release.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering at the polls on Tuesday can contact the elections office at 805-781-4989 or elections@co.slo.ca.us.
This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 10:42 AM.
