We Need 400 Elephants!
Community | June 19, 2026
Why Patti Possel is Calling on Shelby County Republicans to Balance the Polls

When it comes to executing a flawless election, success hinges entirely on mathematical alignment and structural balance. Just as a master photographer meticulously lines up a lens to clear away distortion, the mechanics of local democracy require exact calibration to keep public trust completely intact.

Shelby County Election Commissioner Patti Possel approaches her administrative oversight with the absolute precision of an auditor. Under Tennessee statutory law, every single polling precinct across our communities is required to maintain a perfect partisan equilibrium—meaning an equal number of Republican and Democratic poll workers must staff each location to ensure transparent, fair, and legally compliant ballot processing.

Right now, our local Democratic neighbors have stepped up in massive numbers, completely filling their volunteer slots. However, to achieve the secure, split oversight required by law, the Shelby County Election Commission faces a critical challenge: we are currently short by roughly 400 Republican poll workers.

To fix this landscape and lock down security, we quite literally need "400 elephants" to step into the frame, get trained, and report for duty.

Poll Workers – Be Part of the Process and GET PAID!

Serving your neighborhood isn't just an act of local patriotism; it is also a fully compensated position. Tennessee ensures that our frontline civic heroes are rewarded for their time and dedication. Before applying, review this simple operational checklist to see if you qualify:

Frequently Asked Questions (Official Guidelines)

Q: How are poll workers assigned to locations?
A: Each polling location is staffed according to administrative need. The Election Commission makes every single effort to place poll workers in or directly near their home precincts so you can serve your immediate neighbors.
Q: Why is voting in a primary election a requirement?
A: The party affiliation you declare in the latest primary election determines your party assignment. Because state law strictly mandates an equal number of Democrats and Republicans at every single site to maintain balance, the commission must verify which party you are representing.
Q: What should I wear on Election Day?
A: Poll workers must dress in clean, professional business casual clothing. Ripped clothing, sweatpants, sweatshirts, flip-flops, or blue jeans are not acceptable. Most importantly, poll workers are strictly prohibited from wearing any clothing, badges, or items that support or oppose a political party, candidate, or ballot question.
Q: Can I leave the polling place for lunch or dinner?
A: No. Once you are officially sworn in on Election Day morning, you are not allowed to leave the polling precinct. It is highly recommended that you bring your own food, snacks, and beverages to sustain you for the entire day. The Precinct Officer will coordinate internal breaks based on the flow of voters.
Q: Are there physical requirements for the role?
A: Yes. You must be able to follow detailed instructions, read and write in the English language, stand on your feet for an hour or more at a time, and comfortably lift roughly 25 pounds to help manage supplies.

How to Apply Right Now

Do not wait for someone else to fill the gap. Commissioner Patti Possel and the rest of our local leadership need conservative hands on deck to safeguard our local voting process. Click the appropriate link below to download your fillable application immediately:

Under 18: Download Student Application Over 18: Download Adult Application
Have questions or need help completing your form?
Call the Election Operations Department at 901-222-6830
or email your details directly to: PollWorkers@shelbycountytn.gov

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