Election officials of the area's five largest counties are launching a recruitment drive to find more poll workers -- especially those who are younger and more tech-savvy -- to help with a predicted record turnout in the November election.

Officials in Gwinnett, Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb and Clayton counties are trying to reduce or head off altogether some of the technical problems that contributed to long waits for some voters on Super Tuesday in February.

In Fulton County, the voting machine problems that surfaced in February had more to do with poll worker error than technical failure, said Mark Henderson, Fulton voter education coordinator. Election officials in other counties reported otherwise.

Beyond the challenge of computerized voting, the sheer number of voters expected to come out in November has moved election officials to be even more proactive. During a press conference at the state capital on Thursday, some election officials nervously conceded that their counties could set records with 90 percent turnout.

"We hate to say 90 percent, but it's a good thing," said Sharon Dunn, Cobb elections director whose county saw 83 percent turnout in the 2004 presidential election. "People are voting."

Secretary of State Karen Handel hasn't yet offered a specific prediction but has warned counties that participation could match or surpass the 77 percent recorded in 2004, according to spokesman Matt Carrothers.

"The main focus is to be prepared for that possibility," Carrothers added.

Counties are heeding that advice two ways: with stepped-up recruitment of poll workers -- especially those with technical skills -- and by pushing advance or absentee voting.

"This is a very exciting year," said Henderson. "We want to do everything we can to be as prepared as possible."

The need for additional poll workers varies by county.

Cobb, for example, is seeking 175 workers to add to the 2,500 already in its database. The county amassed 400 signees after putting sign-up sheets for the first time at polling place during the presidential preference primary in February.

Fulton wants up to 250 workers that it plans to use in John's Creek, Alpharetta Milton and Roswell and Sandy Springs.

Pay for poll workers also varies. DeKalb and Cobb shell out as much as $125 for a full day's work. Fulton tops out at $275. Counties also provide paid training.

Recruiting efforts include reaching into local high schools and colleges and the business professional ranks. Increasingly high-tech voting, election officials said, makes the targeted recruitment a smart move. Youth as young 16, though ineligible to vote, can work the polls.

DeKalb has signed about 60 youth ages 16-24.

"They are very good with working on computers," Linda Latimore, DeKalb elections director. "We'd like to utilize their talents on election day."

In addition to the age requirement, applicants must be U.S. citizens, a resident of the county they work in and able to speak and write English.

Georgia Election Protection, an organization that works to protect voting access and rights, says the recruitment drive should help streamline voting and prevent long lines.

"This is the first time county election officials have worked together and coordinated to help recruit technically savvy poll workers," said Harold Franklin Jr. of Georgia Election Protection. "We're excited about it."

To sign up to be a poll worker go to: Election Protection Georgia