Frequently Asked Questions
For detailed instructions on the steps you need to take to become a poll worker, download our checklist.
What happens when there aren’t enough poll workers?
What does a poll worker actually do?
Poll workers make elections happen. They’re the on-the-ground people who work at polling locations and make voting possible. The exact responsibilities vary depending on where you are and what your exact role is among the team, but generally the responsibilities can include setting up voting machines, checking voters in as they arrive, and helping voters figure out how to fill out their ballots.
Does The Poll Hero Project run elections?
No. We’re a group of volunteers — mostly high school and college students — who are trying to help election officials find young people who care about democracy and want to become poll workers. When you sign up with us, you’ll be part of our team and continue to hear from us throughout the fall, but your main relationship will be with your local election board. They’re the ones who will hire you, train you, give you your Election Day assignment, and pay you for your work.
What happens when I sign up on this site to be a poll worker?
We’ll get in touch with you and walk you through the process of applying to your local election board and getting prepared for Election Day. We’re also working to create content to keep you informed and excited about the critical role you’ll play in our democracy.
Why is the need for poll workers so acute right now?
The fear of Covid is the main reason election officials are having so much difficulty recruiting poll workers. Most poll workers are older Americans who are at a higher risk of complications from Covid.
Do I have to be a US citizen to be a poll worker?
In almost all cases, the answer is yes. There are some exceptions — Michigan, for example, allows non-citizens who are residents of the state and under 18 to be poll workers. We do not, however, have a full list of these exceptions so it’s best for you to connect directly with your local election authorities.
Is it possible that I will be exposed to coronavirus as a poll worker?
Yes, as is the case with any public space. For all poll workers, including young people, there is risk of exposure. We’re working with experts to develop a checklist you can use to lower the risk of exposure and decide whether you’re comfortable with being a poll worker.
Where am I eligible to be a poll worker?
Generally, you need to sign up to be a poll worker in the same place where you vote.
How old do I need to be to work the polls?
If you’re 18 years old, you can be a poll worker. If you’re under 18, fear not. Many states allow 16 and 17 year olds to work. Sign up and we’ll help you figure out if you’re eligible.
What if I don’t know exactly where I’m going to be on Election Day?
There is a lot of uncertainty at the moment, but you can still sign up to be a poll worker. Once you have a chance to talk with the election officials you’ll be working for, we encourage you to tell them that there is some uncertainty about where you’ll physically be on Election Day.
How much money will I make?
It varies by location, the length of the shift, and the number of days you work. (In some places, polls are open for days or weeks before Election Day.) Depending on these variables, poll workers can earn anywhere from $75-$500. Make sure to ask your election officials how much you’ll make.
What about postponing the election?
The election must happen and cannot be postponed. No matter how bad the conditions, the foundation of democracy must remain solid. (We’ve held elections before in a pandemic. The election of 1918 occurred in the middle of the Spanish Flu pandemic.)
Won’t everyone be voting by mail?
While vote-by-mail has gotten a lot of attention — and we encourage anyone who can vote by mail to do so — many voters are either required to vote in person or prefer to do so. People should be able to vote however they choose and for that reason, having enough polling stations open for in-person voting is essential.
What is training, how long does it last, and is it virtual?
During training, you’ll learn how to perform your job — whether it’s checking in voters, assisting them with voting systems, or otherwise. The length of training and whether its in-person or virtual varies by jurisdiction. Generally, you should expect to spend a few hours before the election in training.
Can I work in a different location from where I’m registered to vote?
No. To work the polls, you need to either be in the city where you live or, if you’re 18, the city where you’re registered to vote.
I signed up but haven’t heard back. What should I do?
We communicate by text message directly with each person who signs up with us, so depending on the number of people who sign up in a given day, sometimes it might take a few days for us to get back to you. If that’s the case, please sit tight and know that you’re on our list and we’ll reach out to you soon.
Can I work the polls with my friends?
This is a question you’ll have to run by your local election officials once they’ve contacted you. The best thing to do is to sign up and get the process going. Once they’ve made contact, you can let them know who you’d like to work with and see if they can accommodate you.
Where am I going to be placed? Can I choose where I’m going to work?
This is a question you’ll have to run by your local election officials once they’ve contacted you. The best thing to do is to sign up and get the process going. Once they’ve made contact, you can ask them where you’re going to be placed. If you have a preference, you can also let them know where you’d like to work and see if they can accommodate you.
Can I only work for part of the day Election Day?
Generally, no. You need to be available for the whole day on Election Day. You can, however, ask your election officials when they contact you if they’re able to make exceptions.
What if I have school on Election Day?
We encourage you to sign up and get the process going. While you’re waiting to hear back from your election officials, you can talk you your teachers or professors and ask them if they’ll excuse you on Election Day. Once you do hear back from your election officials, you can download our excused absence form, have them fill it out, and then give it to your teachers.