LONGVIEW, Texas — Jennifer Briggs has had a hand in the election process since 2017, and took over as the Gregg County elections administrator in 2019. She’s passionate about serving her community, and that includes training poll workers.
"How to turn on the machines, how to do the paperwork, How to greet the voters, so we go through all of that so they know what to do when they start to vote," Briggs said, describing different things poll workers would learn in their training.
With early voting starting in two weeks, Briggs also has advice for voters headed to the polls.
"I always tell people don’t come the first or the last day of early, and don’t come on Election Day. Those are the busiest. It’s always better to come out during early because you have more opportunities and the lines are usually lower," Briggs said.
For those who can't make it to the polls in person, Briggs also mentioned that there are other options to still make your voice heard.
"If you are unable to reach the polls because you have a handicap or (have) a disability, you can vote by mail. They have curbside voting at all of our polling places for those that are unable to get out of their cars," Briggs said.
Whether people go in-person or vote via mail-in ballot, Briggs said it's important to be informed before casting a vote, such as by comparing candidates and their values from unbiased sources and using credible information.
"That's who is setting our laws and picking who our leaders are, so it’s very important to do it," Briggs said.
Early voting starts on Oct. 21. In the meantime, you can find more information about voting this election season HERE.