Want to strengthen our democracy? By signing up to be a poll worker, you’ll play a critical role in supporting your local community and securing our democracy.
Visit www.eac.gov/help-america-vote to sign up and make a difference this election season!
Responsibilities of a poll worker:
Election or poll workers, who are the focus of this resource, are the temporary staff who do the hands-on work for every election. Poll workers are paid to work at Election Day polling places and Early Voting sites and are trained to execute general or more specialized roles. Their duties are varied and include:
Setting up the voting or polling place.
Greeting voters.
Ensuring voters are at the correct precinct.
Checking voter registration, where required.
Issuing ballots.
Providing information and instructions to voters on how to cast their ballots.
Operating voting equipment.
Maintaining safety and an orderly flow at the polling place.
Assisting older people and people with disabilities with voting.
Updating voter registration information.
Making sure every paper ballot that was distributed is accounted for.
Counting ballots, where applicable.
The specific duties and salary for poll workers vary depending on the location. The requirements to become a poll worker can vary from county to county and state to state. In most states, poll workers must be qualified or registered to vote. Generally, this means they are a U.S. citizen, at least eighteen years old, meet their state’s residency requirements and have no criminal history that would prevent them from voting, which also varies from state to state.
To apply to become a poll worker, visit the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) website and use the Poll Worker Recruitment Tool. You will need to put in your state and local area or county to receive contact information, voter registration and work requirements, hours and compensation/salary.