If you’ve ever voted, you probably didn’t spend much time thinking about the person who checked you in, gave you an “I Voted” sticker or made sure voting machines were working properly.
But these local election heroes are poll workers. And they’re a crucial part of every election.
Poll workers make our elections possible by ensuring polling places run smoothly. They're hard at work before voters arrive and are ready to help every person who comes to cast a ballot. Poll workers typically work a long day (although early voting locations may have shorter shifts).
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a poll worker, here’s a bit of what the day is like.
RISE & SHINE: Depending on what time polls open in your state you can expect a very early morning. If you’re an early bird, this is your moment!
OPENING THE POLLING LOCATION: Poll workers are responsible for opening and helping to set up their polling location. This may involve setting up voting stations and check-in tables, distributing supplies, hanging signs so voters know where to vote, and making sure all voting machines are ready for the first rush of voters. Many voters vote in the early morning before they head to work, so making sure polling locations open on time is critical.
WORKING THE POLLS: Once the polling place opens, you’ll be assigned any number of tasks including checking in voters, answering voter questions, assisting with issues, and passing out “I
Voted” stickers!
Here are some examples of what to expect during the day:
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Checking in voters & distributing ballots: When voters arrive, you’ll check them in and provide their paper ballot or instructions for voting machines.
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Providing directions/assistance: You’ll help voters check in and ensure they’re at the right polling location. And if they’re not at the right location help them look up the right place to go.
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Registering voters: Some states have same-day registration. If this is the case in your state, you may handle same-day voter registration.
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Maintaining a safe and orderly polling place: Your help may be especially needed if long lines are forming or it’s a crowded polling location. Create a happy atmosphere to keep voters in line and excited about voting!
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Providing special assistance to voters who need it: Some voters may require assistance operating a voting machine, especially if voters have a disability or require help in another language.
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Troubleshooting voter questions: Voters may have questions about how to properly fill in a ballot and how to submit their completed ballot.
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Providing provisional or affidavit ballots: Each state has different rules on when to use a provisional or affidavit ballot; make sure you understand when they should be used.
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Passing out “I Voted” stickers: This is the best job of the day!
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Throughout the day, the number of voters will ebb and flow. Whether you’re sitting at the check-in table, greeting voters in line, or helping with voting machines, be sure to check with your fellow poll workers about taking breaks when needed.
FINAL RUSH: As you near the time that polls close in your area, you’ll have your last rush of voters - and the good news is that, by now, you’re a total pro at handling every part of your job as a poll worker. You may need to monitor any lines that form, and make sure that any voters who are in line to vote by the time the polls close know that they can still vote, and to stay in line.
CLOSING THE POLLS: Once the last voter in line has cast their ballot, you’ll help with closing down the polling location and ensuring ballots and other materials are secured safely. This includes cleaning up, making sure all materials are safely and securely shut down and transported, and making sure that the polling location is locked. During your poll worker training, make sure you know your role in helping to shut down the polls.
Voting should be an easy way for people to participate in democracy and in their community. As a poll worker, you can help shape their experience, create positive memories of voting, and make lifelong voters out of everyone you meet!
Election Day is fast approaching and early voting will start in just a few weeks. Now’s the time to sign up to be a poll worker, especially if you are bilingual, are comfortable using an ipad or spreadsheets on a computer and are willing to work a long day.
You can sign up to be a poll worker here: powerthepolls.org/kos
And if you’re not able to serve, make sure to thank your local poll workers this year and every election to come!
We want to hear from you, share your favorite experience working as a poll worker below!
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