Grace Bannasch, a town clerk in Shutesbury, Massachusetts, didn’t expect to spend Oct. 17, 2020 - the first day of early voting in her state - in the emergency room. 

That didn’t stop her from working. Before heading to the hospital, Bannasch checked to make sure her precinct was set up since she was the only town clerk the municipality had at the time. After the ER visit, she emptied out the ballot drop boxes for the night.

“I think lack of support is what burns me out…I was under a lot of pain. I was pretty scared. But I knew that I had a responsibility to make sure that people were able to vote,” she said.

This year, even with an assistant by her side, she said the job won’t be any easier. And she’s not alone. As local election workers face increased threats of disinformation, lack of election security and other issues, they’re expected to take on more responsibilities even amid staffing shortages, antiquated technology and tight budgets.

And dozens of election workers told USA TODAY they want Congress to do more to support them ahead of the 2024 general election.

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