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Poll worker application
General information
Poll workers serve an important role in administering one of our fundamental democratic freedoms: the right to vote.
As a poll worker, you will be part of a team of election workers serving King County voters in one of our 396 polling places on Election Day.
Ann Condon and Randy Novak assisted voters at the St. Joseph polling place in Seattle. Aug. 19, 2008
If you meet these qualifications, you can sign up to be a poll worker:
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Must be eligible to work in the United States
- Must be able to read and write English
- Must be able to work a 16-hour day
Are poll workers paid?
Yes. Poll workers are paid $125.09 base pay, plus $24.21 for attending the three-hour training session.
Inspectors are paid $185.61 base pay, plus $56.49 for attending the seven-hour training session.
Do poll workers have to attend training?
Yes. Prior to Election Day poll workers must attend a three-hour training session prior to Election Day to learn the various skills, procedures, and tasks to successfully serve voters and operate the polling place. Inspectors are required to attend a seven-hour training session. At the training session, each poll worker receives a copy of the Poll Worker Guidebook. This handy reference tool outlines the duties and procedures for each job in the polling place.
What do poll workers do?
On Election Day poll workers prepare the polling place by setting up the equipment and materials that are necessary to conduct the election. During the day poll workers are responsible for issuing ballots, assisting voters, and ensuring that all voting procedures are followed. At the end of Election Day poll workers close the polling place by completing the necessary reports and procedures, and by packing and returning election materials and equipment. There are various positions filled by poll workers:
- Poll book judge
Responsible for issuing paper and electronic ballots to voters and keeping records in a poll book.
- AccuVote judge
Responsible for assisting voters in submitting their ballots into the AccuVote (ballot tabulation machine) and troubleshooting any problems that may arise with this machine.
- Accessible voting unit judge
Assists voters who choose to cast an electronic ballot on the accessible voting unit (touch screen machine).
- Inspector
This position is the supervisor of their assigned polling place. This person is responsible for all aspects and procedures of their polling place.
Benefits of being a poll worker
- Opportunity to play a role in delivering democracy
- Show your civic pride
- Giving back to your community
- Personally contributing to conducting accurate, secure and accessible elections
- Earn extra money
Election dates
Poll workers are needed for the upcoming primary and general election.
- Primary: August 19, 2008
- General Election: November 4, 2008
