Next to casting a ballot yourself, serving as a poll worker is the most important thing you can do to help our democracy thrive. This website helps simplify the process of becoming a poll worker by providing visitors with the information they need to serve their communities in the voting process.
Poll workers play a crucial role in ensuring the strength and integrity of the voting process. They are the lifeblood of America’s election system and they help secure our rights as U.S. citizens. Eligible voters should not be turned away from the polls or be prevented from voting because of long, slow-moving lines or confusing rules. That is why we are calling on you to support your community by becoming a poll worker. In doing so, you will:
As a poll worker during the early voting period or on Election Day, there are different roles you may fill. While your responsibilities will vary by jurisdiction and position, there are certain aspects of working at the polls that you can count on:
Training:
Before Election Day, you will be trained by election staff in the county or municipality in which you’re working. They will give you an overview of election rules, your responsibilities, and common situations you may encounter at the polls. This training may take place either in-person or online, and will likely last a few hours.
Poll Worker Responsibilities:
Poll workers help prepare their polling place for Election Day. You may be asked to report early on Election Day to assist in setting up the location before voters arrive. During your shift, you will interact with voters, help ensure orderly lines, check in voters to receive their ballot, and assist those who request help.
After Polls Close:
Anyone in line at the closing time will be permitted to cast their vote. As a poll worker, you must remain at the polling location during your shift. After the polls close, you may be asked to help clean up the polling place or secure and transfer voting materials to local election officials. Some poll workers may also deliver ballots to a designated location.
Visit Work Elections.org
Learn what a poll worker does during Early Voting & on Election Day. Review requirements to work, necessary training, pay, and other useful information.
Fill out an Application
If your local election office has an online application, it will be linked on that jurisdiction’s Work Elections page. If it doesn’t, you’ll be prompted to enter your information into a form that will generate an email to your local election staff.
Follow Up
Your local election office will contact you about your application, but be sure to follow up if you don’t hear back within two weeks of submitting an application.
Attend Training
In most cases, you’ll need to attend training in order to be a poll worker. Local election offices will train poll workers, either in-person or online. This training will prepare you to help voters.
Help on Election Day
Poll workers greet and check-in voters, give them their ballots, keep lines in order, and assist in other ways. Your work makes a huge impact during Early Voting and on Election Day. Sign up to serve your community!
Visit WorkElections.org
Learn what a poll worker does during Early Voting & on Election Day. Review requirements to work, necessary training, pay, and other useful information.
Fill out an Application
If your local election office has an online application, it will be linked on that jurisdiction’s Work Elections page. If it doesn’t, you’ll be prompted to enter your information into a form that will generate an email to your local election staff.
Follow Up
Your local election office will contact you about your application, but be sure to follow up if you don’t hear back within two weeks of submitting an application.
Attend Training
In most cases, you’ll need to attend training in order to be a poll worker. Local election offices will train poll workers, either in-person or online. This training will prepare you to help voters.
Help on Election Day
Poll workers greet and check-in voters, give them their ballots, keep lines in order, and assist in other ways. Your work makes a huge impact during Early Voting and on Election Day. Sign up to serve your community!
Disclaimer: The site compiles the most up-to-date and accurate information directly from local election officials and/or their public information sites. This information is being provided as a public service and the sponsoring organization should not be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the information. Fair Elections Center is a non-profit and is not affiliated in any way with any governmental office or agency.
