(Metro Creative Services)

Calcasieu Clerk of Court Lynn Jones is seeking people willing to become election commissioners.

“We are calling for citizens who want to be a part of the election process. It takes a small army to conduct an election, and we desperately need commissioners,” he said.

“The election commissioner shortage is a national concern.” Jones said. “Prior to COVID and the storms, we were seeing the same slow decline as the rest of the nation, but 2020 hit our commissioner roster really hard. We need between 800-900 to run our larger elections efficiently so that citizens aren’t faced with long waits.”

To become a commissioner, an individual who meets the qualifications attends a one-time training which lasts three hours. The class is free and concludes with an open book test. Qualified commissioners who work an election day earn $200.

The next Commissioner Schools are scheduled for Tuesday, June 13, in Sulphur at the West Cal Event Center, and Thursday, June 15, at the Allen August Multipurpose Annex in Lake Charles. Both classes start at 6pm.

Those unable to attend should contact the election directors, as another opportunity may become available before the November election. Once an individual becomes a commissioner, the Clerk of Court offers continuing education to keep commissioners updated as laws and protocols change.

To get more information on how to become an election commissioner, visit the Clerk of Court website at https://www.calclerkofcourt.com/become-a-commisioner or call the Co-Directors of Elections: Jean Ann East at 337-437-3558 Ext 123 or Princella Ryan at 337-437-3558 Ext 144.