Poll workers battle election fatigue

SMITH COUNTY — As Smith County election crews prepare for another election on June 13, workers are doing their best to fight fatigue, according to our news partner KETK. For the third time in less than a month, Smith County election officials are setting up polling locations.

“Actively working on the May 2 election, the May 26 election and the June 13th election all at the same time,” Smith County Elections Administrator Michelle Allcon said.

The June 13 runoff election will see Tyler residents choose their new mayor, and with early voting starting on Monday, people like Charlie Coleman are working behind the scenes.

“We have a lot of wires; we have several different pieces of equipment,” Smith County Elections Clerk Judge Charlie Coleman said. “We have a lot of cords, and we just have to make sure everything is connected properly.”

Coleman says during the early voting period, his team can work twelve-hour shifts, five days a week. “It does get tedious after a while, I mean we just came off of a primary runoff last week where we worked seven to seven the entire week and by the end of it, we were all pretty tired,” Coleman said.

Despite the long days, Coleman enjoys giving people an opportunity to voice their opinions. “Almost all of the people are real good to work with and they’re anxious to vote,” Coleman said.

As poll workers across Smith County prepare ballots, Allcon is asking voters to show some compassion. “Just be patient and kind to those poll workers; most of them have worked multiple elections this year,” Allcon said.