What is a poll worker and why are they important?
Poll workers are critical to the success of our elections. There are over 5,000 local election jurisdictions in the country and the specific duties and compensation of poll workers may vary depending on the location. Poll workers around the country work to keep polling places open and running smoothly, help their neighbors vote, and ensure the safety and security of our election process.
It is important to know the difference between poll workers and poll watchers. Unlike poll workers, poll watchers are not typically government employees, but rather are generally appointed by political parties to observe the opening of the polls and ballot counting.
In most states, poll workers are volunteers. With more than 94,000 polling sites to staff nationwide, it can be a challenge to recruit enough volunteers. Consider signing up for this important role to play your part in the democratic process. Learn more about poll workers.
How do I become a poll worker?
Eligibility varies depending on your location. Most states require poll workers to live in or be registered to vote in the state or their local jurisdiction. Some local election offices have student poll worker programs for younger people who aren’t yet eligible to vote but would like to play an important part of the democratic process. Want to be a poll worker?
- Find out if you’re eligible by using the EAC’s Poll Worker Recruitment Lookup Tool and by reaching out to your local election office.
- You can also sign up to be a poll worker through organizations like Power the Polls.
Resources for poll workers
- The US Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is an independent, bipartisan agency created by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002 to assist State and local election administrators with the administration of Federal elections. Their website has information and resources, including a Poll Worker Recruitment Lookup Tool, Poll Worker Preparedness Checklist, and a Compendium of State Poll Worker Requirements for all 50 states.
- Power the Polls is a nonpartisan initiative to recruit the next generation of poll workers to ensure safe and fair elections for all voters. Their website allows you to sign up to be a poll worker and has many resources available, including questions to ask in official training, common voter issues and solutions, a guide for accessibility at the polls, and more.
