Poll Workers

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Depending on the election, the Registrar of Voters hire between 180 and 220 poll workers. We have 70% of the poll workers return each year, so new poll workers are always welcome to apply.

The Basics

Working the polls is a wonderful service to the community. And you get paid as well. It does require working a long day, and getting trained, and dealing with individuals who may at times be frustrated (or frustrating!). All that being said, in 99.9% of the cases working the polls is a rewarding experience as you help to facilitate democracy

What You Need to Know

  • Poll Workers will be working a minimum of 15 consecutive hours at an election or primary. Poll workers are expected to bring their own lunch and dinner, and will be given appropriate meal and rest breaks.
  • Depending on the position, poll workers will need to come to a training class which lasts 1 hour. For more complex positions (Moderator and Assistant Registrar), training is 3 hours.
  • Training is maybe required annually before each primary or election.
  • Moderators (the Chief Polling Place Official) must also take a 4 to 5 hour class every four years which is given in the evening, weekends and online by a special Moderator Trainer.

In most cases, you will be asked to start at one of the more basic positions (Official Identification Checker or Ballot Clerk). As you grow in experience you may be asked to take a position with more responsibility, such as Assistant Registrar or Moderator.