County makes election plans

Marshall County Circuit Clerk Monet Autry briefed the board of supervisors Monday on plans for the November 3 general election.

The 2 North Cayce voting precinct has been moved to Royal Chapel CME Church at the corner of Lake Hill Road and Highway 72. The move allows for more space.

“We’re moving from a small building to the church’s activity center which allows for better spacing out of people while waiting to vote,” Autry said.

Autry also reported on pay for poll workers and any hazard pay, if it becomes available.

There are several changes in voting this fall.

Secretary of State Michael Watson provided a list of specific supplies that will be used to protect voters and poll workers at the precincts.

Those include the following:

• KN-95 masks for poll workers – 174. The county will have about 150 poll workers, Autry said.

• gloves – 900 pairs which include three changes for poll workers.

• face shields – 150 for poll workers.

• masks for voters – tri-ply, 1,100 or 50 per 1,000 active voters, to be distributed to voters upon request.

• single use “I Voted Pens” roughly 18,000. The pens will be used by voters to sign the poll book and they will take the pens with them.

• hand sanitizer – an ample supply for the election

Autry said the county will hire two extra persons at each precinct to help keep people in order, assist with social distancing and cleaning the precinct, plus help with curbside voting.

HB824, amended and signed by Gov. Tate Reeves, authorizes $150 per day to election commissioners for duties performed on election day and any primary or runoff election day worked. It also provides pandemic (hazard) pay.

Poll managers will be paid an extra $50 hazard pay in addition to per diem pay. Voting at the precincts will take place on voting machines except in special cases. Paper ballots will be used only for absentee voting (mail in), for curbside voting and for voting by people who do not have a voter I.D., Autry said.