Republicans and Democrats are recruiting poll workers, observers, lawyers and voter-protection staff as they prepare for one of the most consequential midterm elections in history. At the center of the Republican push are the state "parity" laws that require or encourage bipartisan representation among poll workers. Election rules vary significantly by state and locality, but a number of states have provisions intended to give both major parties representation in election administration. Poll workers are generally selected or appointed by state and local election authorities, and the number of positions available varies by jurisdiction. Vote counting, one of the trained poll workers' most important roles in the process, can vary in returns from state to state.