HOW DO I QUALIFY TO BE A POLL WORKER?
1. Be a U.S. Citizen and registered (18 years of age) /(pre-registered 16 years of age) to vote in Hamilton County.
2. Be able to speak, read and write the English language.
3. Not be a candidate or an immediate family member of a candidate.
4. Have transportation to the polling place and poll worker school.
5. Attend required poll worker training.
6. Be able to physically work from before 6:00 a.m. and until after polls close at 7:00 p.m. (Approx 13.5 to 14 hrs)
7. Complete a poll worker (election worker) application.
8. Be willing to serve all voters promptly, courteously, and with sensitivity to voters' needs.
9. Provide a Social Security number, which will be required prior to employment and used solely for the purpose of payroll eligibility.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A POLL WORKER
1. Administer the election process fairly and according to the law.
2. Open, set-up and close the polls.
3. Ensure voters are permitted to vote.
4. Give assistance when requested by the voter.
5. Attend Poll Worker School for training. (Required by law)
What positions are available?
Please note that the positions listed indicate an overview of the responsibilities performed. Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities may be applicable for individual positions.
- Clerk: (Not for first time poll workers) Person responsible for the management of the precinct. Oversees each position at the polling place and responsible for all paper work. Picks up and drops off secure supplies.
- Assistant Clerk: Helps process paperwork, and takes over in the absence of the Clerk.
- DS200 Tabulator Tech: Operates the ballot scanning equipment.
- EVID Inspector: Verifies voter’s registration with the Electronic Voter Identification Unit
- Ballot Distributor: Distributes assigned ballot to voter.
- Deputy: Greets all voters, properly mark the "no soliciation" zone, information signs and maintains order outside the polls.
If appointed, where would I work?
The Supervisor of Elections attempts to appoint workers to their home precinct. However, to meet the needs of the election, you may be appointed to a polling place other than your own.
Do I get paid for being a Poll Worker?
Yes, poll workers receive a lump sum pay which includes training. The rate of pay per election day depends on the position assigned and specific election. Pay varies from $135-$175 per election, which again includes pay for election day and training.
How to become a Poll Worker?
Complete the poll worker application, after completion you will become part of our pool of prospective poll workers.
Your name will remain active until you request that it be removed. Not all poll workers work every election. The number of poll workers for each election is determined by the size of the election and the expected turnout.
Poll workers are chosen to work a specific election by their availability, willingness to travel, and the number of workers needed. The need of poll workers will vary for each individual elections.
Have I been selected?
If a position is available, you will be contacted by someone from the Elections office. You will receive a letter from the Supervisor of your assignment along with the date, time and location of classes to attend.
Must I attend training to be a poll worker?
Yes. Florida Statutes require that all poll workers receive training before each election. The training is mandatory for all poll workers assigned to work, as well as alternates. Training is provided through on line and in-person training. Additional training may be required, based on your assigned position. These sessions are held during the month preceding elections. You will not be able to work if you do not attend and complete your required training.
Are there any other important things I need to know about serving as a Poll Worker?
- Poll Workers are not guaranteed to work every election and may not necessarily work in their home precinct. Poll Workers serve at the will of the Supervisor of Elections. Poll Workers must be able to deal patiently and courteously with the public and with co-workers.
- Poll Worker assignments are based on experience, political party balance, and your availability to work in prior elections.
- Poll Workers must have their own transportation to class and to the polls at 6:00 a.m. on Election Day.
- Poll Workers are an extension of the Supervisor of Elections Office. Our office is a NONPARTISAN office. It is strictly prohibited to provide information, advice, or comments about the candidates and issues while serving as a Poll Worker.
- Poll Workers are asked to wear comfortable, casual business attire. Poll Workers shall not wear any jewelry, buttons, T-shirts, pins, etc. that suggest political party affiliation or promote a candidate or any issue on the ballot. The voters depend on Poll Workers to conduct the election fairly and without bias.
- Poll Workers are not allowed to eat, drink, read the newspaper, etc., while performing their duties. These things may be done on scheduled breaks and outside the view of the voters. Remember, we are customer service representatives. Election Day is about the voter, and we must conduct ourselves in a professional manner.
