Becoming a poll worker

The basics

• Poll workers staff voting sites on and before Election Day. They set up the site, greet voters, check registrations, hand out ballots and show voters how to use the equipment.
• In most states poll workers are paid, often a daily stipend or hourly wage. State or local officials set the amount, and some places also accept unpaid volunteers.
• Most states require training before you serve, often a class run by your local election office. Rules differ, so ask what yours requires.
• Adult poll workers usually must be registered voters. Most states also have youth programs that let students serve, often from age 16 or 17, with limits such as grade level, duties or adult supervision.
• Many states require poll workers at each site to come from more than one political party, so you may be asked about party affiliation. This depends on state rules.

Why it matters to you

Elections depend on poll workers, and finding enough of them can be hard in many places. Serving also lets you see up close how voting works in your community.

Myth vs. fact

What you can do

• Use the Election Assistance Commission's Help America Vote page (eac.gov/help-america-vote) to look up local requirements, hours, pay and training, and to sign up.
• Visit your county or city election office's website, or call, and ask about poll worker or student poll worker programs.
• Sign up early. Some offices fill their spots quickly, and others may need extra time to respond.