Civic Ladder · Getting involved
Your Local Election Office
Your local election office helps run elections: registration, voting, mail ballots, counting, and poll workers. Here is what it does and how to reach it.
The basics
- Elections are run by state and local officials. The local office may be a county, city or town office. Names and duties vary by state.
- Election offices work on voter registration and keeping lists up to date, in-person and mail voting, planning and logistics, and voting equipment security.
- After voting, local officials report unofficial results and carry out the canvass, which checks that ballots match the number of voters. Who certifies results differs by place.
- Poll workers staff polling places. They set up, greet voters, check registrations and explain how to vote. Requirements vary, so sign up through your state or local election office.
- To find your office, use the link on USA.gov. It can help with registering, voting and election results. Ask the office directly how to observe or whether you can visit.
Why it matters to you
This is the office that knows your deadlines, polling place and ballot. It is the best place to get answers about voting where you live.
Myth vs. fact
MythOnly one national office runs elections.
FactElections are run by state and local officials, so rules and contacts differ across the country.
What you can do
- Find your office through USA.gov and save its phone number or website.
- Ask your office about poll worker openings, requirements and training.
- Ask how the public can watch parts of the process, since rules differ by place.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Rules can vary by state; check your official sources.