Most electoral managers come into a system which has considerable history in staff and structure terms. No electoral management system will work efficiently unless the staff know what their duties entail and there is a clear management structure. Failure to have the right descriptions and structure either results in two people doing the same task or nobody doing it. Either way problems are the result. Every electoral manager faces the same problems in recruiting temporary staff.
Good staff are one of the best sources of more good staff.
Staff are encouraged to recruit family and friends as poll workers. A state can approach civic, religious, community, business or social organisations. Often electoral officials are asked to speak at meetings of these organisations. Direct approaches can also be made with leaflets outlining what is required. The media can be utilized through direct advertising and press releases.