ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Monroe County Board of Elections Training Center is gearing up for the general election as it trains up to 3,000 people who will be working at some 300 polling sites across the county on November 3.

“This year we have the implementation of poll pads that we haven’t had in the past. We had them for our primaries but we never had them for the whole general election," said Diane Gibson, training supervisor.

“For the primaries, they had three elections, so voters got up to three ballots so for the general this year, it’s only one ballot that the voter will receive," added Gibson.

A video focused on how to use the poll pads along with the process of how to assign inspectors, how to fill out an affidavit ballot and how to collect absentee ballots. Steps are also being taken to ensure the November general election is conducted safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s mandated by the governor that we all wear masks, so we have to make sure we’re enforcing that. It’s anybody at the polling site, whether you’re a worker or a voter and we want to take other safety measures that were six feet apart," said Gibson.

The training session is for seasoned poll workers who serve as site chairs. Judy Burns has worked at the polls for some 20 years, but says there is plenty to learn at the course since the primaries were held back in June.

“There’s so much to learn, and as site chairs we have to pretty much know what’s going on and answer any questions that come up," said Judy Burns, a poll worker.

Poll workers are playing important role in protecting elections during a pandemic as they prepare to help America vote in 2020.

“We’re hoping for a good turnout especially with all the early voting opportunities that they’re giving to people, the mail-in voting and at the site," said Burns.

Early voting starts on October 24. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.