Poll Workers

Not all heroes wear capes. By becoming an election official, you can be a hero for democracy. These local heroes will protect democracy, learn about the elections process, serve their communities and receive payment for their dedication to elections. Election officials operate the polls during early voting and on Election Day by providing services such as setting up the voting equipment, checking in voters, processing ballots, assisting voters with special needs, and closing down/securing the voting site at the end of the day.

Qualifications

To qualify to work as an election official, the applicant must be a registered voter who resides in the precinct where they wish to serve. To serve as an election worker on Election Day, you must be a registered voter or be a high school student who is at least 17 years old and in good academic standing (this does not apply to early voting). Check your voter registration status with the Voter Search.

Precinct officials may not be a candidate or relative of a candidate in the election. They also may not be an elected government official, hold office with a political party, or be a manager or treasurer for a candidate or political party. They also may not serve at the same polling place as a spouse, child, spouse of a child, sister, or brother.

The State Board encourages voters of all ages to lend a hand to the democratic process in this important presidential election year. Election workers often consist of retirees and older members of a community – groups at higher risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. The State Board is committed to protecting election workers’ health and safety. Appropriate protective equipment will be provided, and social distancing guidelines will be enforced at polling places.

Poll Watchers

Members of the public may not enter a voting site to observe the election. Only observers appointed in advance by a political party may be inside. The chief judge or one-stop manager will designate a place for observers that is close enough to hear voters checking in, but far enough to not impede the voting process or observe confidential information. Each party may assign site-specific observers and at-large observers for the county. No more than two site-specific observers and one at-large observer from the same party may be in the voting place at the same time. Observers at any site may be relieved after serving for at least four hours.