More training proposed for poll workers

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – A lawmaker is proposing more training for election workers, in order to prevent long lines and long wait times at the polls.

“Voting is so important, and yet we hire different people to run the polls every year, and give them very little in the way of training or preparation,” said Sen. Paul Jabour (Dist. 5, Providence).

Currently, poll workers are required to attend one training session before Election Day.

Under a proposed plan, all election workers would be required to attend two sessions each year, even in non-election years.

Those who maintain their training would be issued a certificate and would be eligible to work at polls.

On November 6, 2012, a polling place located at the Juanita Sanchez Complex had wait times of three hours for parts of the day.

Rhode Island changed its poll closing time to 8 p.m.

Previously, polls closed at 9 p.m.

The time change went into effect this year.