With the state elections approaching in less than two weeks, the City of Madison is working to make sure all the details — including the proper number of election officials — are in place.

City clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl said the city is still short 50 election officials and added she hopes to see these spots filled within the next couple of weeks.

"Altogether we've recruited about 900 people," Witzel-Behl said. "But it's that last 50 that's hardest to find."

Election officials will guide voters through the entire election process, she added, and will be used for line management, voter registration, voting explanations and end of the night write-ins. With expected turnout for the election particularly high, Witzel-Behl said it is clear why the city is recruiting so many officials. And with very little in the way of requirements, Witzel-Behl also noted election officials may stem from all branches of life.

"You just have to be a Madison resident who's eligible to vote in Madison," she said. "So you must be 18 years old and you obviously cannot be a felon on probation."

Witzel-Behl also added University of Wisconsin students are welcome to become officials, so long as they satisfy the requirements.

While some students will be helping to coordinate the polling places, City Council President Austin King said he expects a high student turnout at the polls as well.

"It's always one of the biggest question marks coming into an election." King said. "But [Wisconsin] student voting in the past has proven that student turnout is not just important — it's profoundly important and could have a considerable impact on the election."

He added students can also get involved in the election process by volunteering, and said several political organizations have many positions students can help fill.

Even though students do not necessarily have the financial backing many community members do, King said it is their willingness to work hard and "use their shoe-leather" that makes them a valuable asset to many political campaigns.

With the recruitment of election officials wrapping up, King said it is important for as many students to get involved in as many ways as possible.

"Other than just voting, student voters should bring a friend," he said. "Everyone has a friend who won't be voting. Even if you just have a coworker, or even if it's a cute girl, just ask them."