Eligible Residents Encouraged to Sign Up to Be Poll Workers for 2024 Elections

September 5, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

The 2024 elections are just months away and eligible DeKalb County residents are encouraged to serve their community by signing up to be poll workers.

“Poll workers are fundamental to running safe and secure elections in Tennessee,” said Dustin Estes, DeKalb County Administrator of Elections. “That is why I encourage all eligible DeKalb Countians to serve their community by signing up to be poll workers.”

During early voting and on Election Day, poll workers help polling sites in their community run smoothly by conducting various tasks, including greeting voters, answering questions, explaining how to cast a ballot, and counting votes.

Poll workers are paid for working during early voting and on Election Day, as well as for attending required training sessions.

Most Tennesseans are eligible to work as poll workers, regardless of political affiliation.

Qualifications to Be a Tennessee Poll Worker:

Be at least 16 years old

Be a registered voter in the county if 18 or older

Be able to read and write in the English language

Not be a candidate or close relative of a candidate

Not be supervised by a county or municipal elected worker on the ballot

Government Employees Who Can Serve as Poll Workers:

All City, County and Metro employees (unless working directly under the supervision of an elected official on the ballot)

State of Tennessee employees

Federal employees – consult your Human Resources Department to ensure eligibility.

“County election commissions are already preparing for the 2024 elections,” said Tennessee Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. “By serving as a poll worker, you will help voters confidently cast a ballot and protect the integrity of the ballot box.”

For the latest information about becoming a poll worker of Tennessee elections, follow the Secretary of State’s social media channels Twitter: @TNSecofState, Facebook: Tennessee Secretary of State and Instagram: @tnsecofstate.

To serve your community as a poll worker, apply now at GoVoteTN.gov.

September 4, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

As part of September National Recovery Month, the DeKalb Prevention Coalition marked International Overdose Awareness Day on Friday with an event that honored those who have died from drug overdoses and provided resources for those battling drug addiction.

The event, held at Greenbrook Park featured guest speakers, hot dogs and chips, and a free overdose reversal training for all. Highlights of the program included a purple glow stick vigil, a walk in the park on the trail lined with paper glow bags, and a gathering of participants around a tree planted recently with a plaque dedicated as a “living remembrance of the lives lost too soon due to drug overdose, and as an inspiration to youth to choose to live drug free”.

“I lost my sister to an overdose in 2005 and the message I want people to get is there’s a way out and they don’t have to die from this disease. Never give up! There is hope. A lot of resources are out there to help and you don’t have to suffer alone,” said Amanda Parsley, one of the guest speakers at the event.

“DeKalb Prevention, along with community partners, remembered those friends and family we have lost to overdose. We spent a lot of time reflecting, praying, and shedding some tears. Afterwards we focused on looking forward to HOPE through our Prevention work and supporting each other with love. We walked the path lined with the names of those lost to overdose and we made a circle around our Remembrance Tree and spoke their names. Over 150 individuals participated. Thank you all for making the night such a special event,” said Jennifer Matthews, Director of the DeKalb County Prevention Coalition.

September 4, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

The 13th Judicial District has added a new attorney to its roster of prosecutors.

Criminal Court Judge Gary McKenzie swore in Jenna Huff Friday as an Assistant District Attorney in the district that includes Putnam, Overton, Clay, Pickett, DeKalb, White and Cumberland Counties.

In an announcement about the appointment, District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway said Huff is a welcome addition to his team.

“I am very pleased that General Huff accepted my invitation to join our team of prosecutors,” Dunaway said. “She has a passion for pursuing the truth and standing up for victims, so she is a great addition to our team.”

A graduate of Tennessee Tech University and the Nashville School of Law, Huff will serve as a specialized domestic violence prosecutor in the 13th District.