Marion County's Wendy Imbody named poll worker of the year - why you should join her

With several pressing measures on the ballot, Tuesday's election is expected to yield a large turnout in Marion. Helping things to run smoothly will require a strong crowd of poll workers, such as Marion resident and avid poll worker Wendy Imbody.

Earlier this year, Imbody was awarded the 2022 Precinct Election Official of the Year Award for the Democratic party in Ohio.

“It’s like hitting the lottery. … Do you know how many poll workers are in the state of Ohio? And I got chosen?” Imbody said.

After being nominated by the Marion County Board of Elections, Imbody was given the award by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, said Marion Board of Elections Deputy Director Brian Blair .

“Wendy has been an incredible asset to (our Board of Elections),” Blair said. “She’s worked nearly every election for the past 40 plus years."

Imbody, 59, started poll working when she was 18, volunteering with her mother, Sandy Lucas, who also was an avid participant. The rest is history, she says, as she fell in love with it.

This is my service to America

“I love the people… If you haven’t seen someone in a long time, they’ll be at your polling location.” Imbody tells us. “I’ll never be an elected official, I’ll never serve in the military… This is my service to America."

As the Nov. 7 election draws closer, Marion County’s Board of Elections eyes the low number of registered poll workers. The county needs 134 poll workers to run the elections, but only 124 have signed up as of Monday, Blair said.

“This election is expected to have a relatively high turnout rate for an odd year, around 50%," Blair said, making the need for poll workers greater than ever. “We encourage anyone interested in being a poll worker to contact our office.”'

The office’s number is 740-223-4090. Being a poll worker on election day can pay up to $136.50. Hours are 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Blair also urges voters to know their voting location, as some locations have changed. Specifically, the Veterans Coliseum and Knights of Columbus building are no longer open as polling locations.

More information about polling locations can be found at www.boe.ohio.gov/marion. Polls will be open Nov. 7 from 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. am to 7:30 p.m.

Early voting in Marion County is possible at the county building, 222 W. Center St. Hours are 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. through the rest of the week, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Early voting ends Sunday at 5 p.m.

Applications for absentee ballots were due Tuesday.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Marion County election worker honored by state Democratic party