Behind every successful Election Day are the dedicated temporary poll workers who make it all possible. You may not know it, but these everyday people are a cornerstone of our democracy. They keep our elections running smoothly and help ensure every voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot securely and fairly. If you’re looking for a way to make sure your community’s voice is heard, here’s what you need to know about working the polls!
1. What is a poll worker?
Simply put, poll workers are the people who make Election Day happen. The critical job of a poll worker is to help administer our nation’s elections, ensuring the right to a secure, fair, and accurate vote. Have you ever been to the polls during early voting or Election Day? If so, then you’ve seen poll workers in action. They’re the ones setting up polling locations, checking in voters, distributing ballots, providing language assistance, helping voters with voting machines, and answering questions about the process. And yes — they also get to hand out the iconic “I Voted” stickers.
2. What are the requirements to be an election poll worker?
There’s absolutely no experience required to become a poll worker! When you sign up, you’ll receive free training to make sure you’re ready for anything that comes your way on Election Day. Almost anyone registered to vote can be an election poll worker. You may have to meet certain age and residency requirements which can vary by state and county. Really all you have to do is sign up, get trained, and help our elections run smoothly!
3. What’s the point of being a poll worker?
Without poll workers, there are no elections. Our democracy needs people like YOU to make sure that every vote is counted so every voter can make their voice heard. When there aren’t enough poll workers to support our elections, voters experience long lines and unnecessary obstacles when trying to cast their ballot. This is especially true in historically disenfranchised communities that already face barriers to voting.
We need poll workers, we need each other to step up to this. And folks who are able to make sure that all of our elections are run and they are run smoothly and fairly and accurately and securely – it’s us, just regular everyday folks that have a Tuesday free and are able to do that that make that happen.”
Brooke Harris from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters on her poll working experience
4. What do I get out of being a poll worker, and do I get paid?
By becoming a poll worker, you’ll play a vital role in protecting our democracy and your community’s right to vote. You could be the reason that dozens of people in your community are able to vote when they otherwise might not. Plus, you may even get PAID. Most states provide compensation for poll workers, so depending on where you live you could receive a stipend for helping run our elections. In this economy…who wouldn’t want that?
5. I’m in! How do I sign up to be a poll worker?
To sign up to be a poll worker, visitpowerthepolls.com/lcv and submit your contact information. From there, an election administrator will reach out to you with details on training, compensation, and your responsibilities. Then, when polls are open, you’ll spend anywhere from a couple of hours to the entire day powering our democracy and helping voters at the polls!
