Panola County Commissioners boosts election worker pay, addressing staffing needs ahead of 2026 elections
With multiple elections scheduled in 2026 and several polling locations still short on workers, Panola County Commissioners approved a pay increase aimed at strengthening the county’s election workforce.
During the Dec. 16 meeting of the Panola County Commissioners Court, officials voted to raise hourly pay for county election workers from $12 to $15 per hour, beginning in fiscal year 2026. The increase applies to workers serving in county-administered elections, including election judges, clerks and early voting staff.
Commissioners also approved pay increases for petit and grand jurors for fiscal year 2026, citing similar challenges in recruiting and retaining citizens for jury service.
County Clerk Loretta Mason told commissioners the county relies on more than 70 election workers countywide during early voting and on Election Day, with 5 workers staffed in the courthouse office regularly. She noted that the office continues to face challenges filling positions across multiple precincts, particularly as longtime workers retire and fewer new applicants step forward.
https://panolawatchman.com/2025/12/19/12212025_pan_news_electionworkers/