Election Officials Make Elections Happen! The hours are long, the pay is low, but your contribution to democracy is enormous!
For a major election we use about 125 poll workers and another 40 alternates to ensure that the elections go smoothly.
Qualifications
You
- must be a registered voter of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- cannot hold elected office or be the employee of an elected official.
- must be available to work the entire day on Election Day.
- serve a two year term, but its ok if you think you will only be available for the November election.
- work from 5:00 a.m. until all work is completed (usually no later than 9:00 p.m.)
Election officers receive a stipend, but the gratification that they receive comes more from working with the public and providing a public service. They also receive gratification from a dedication to the task and working cooperatively and carefully with their fellow election officers.
You will learn how to conduct an election in a seminar conducted before the election. Appropriate materials prepared by the state and by our office will help you prepare. Many of us have continued to learn how to help people through the voting process by working with experienced Election Officials on Election Day.
It’s Easy to Apply to Be an Election Officer:
- Email us at voter@shenandoahcountyva.us with your name, home address, telephone number and email address
- Or, call us at 540-459-6195
- Or, complete the Online Application-Poll Worker
You will have duties at the polls:
- prepare the polling place for voting
- check in voters
- demonstrate voting equipment
- close the polling place, certify results, and complete light paperwork
Responsibilities on Election Day
Election Officers are required to.
- Arrive at the polling place at 5:00 a.m. on Election Day and remain until all tallies have been completed.
- Set up voting equipment and prepare the polling place for voting.
- Lift up to 35 lbs.
- Be friendly and courteous to all voters
- Process voters by checking names on list of registered voters.
- Acquaint voters with voting machines.
- Secure voting machines
(Code of Virginia, §24.2-1009: Stealing or tampering with ballot containers, voting or registration equipment, software, records or documents is a Class 5 felony). - Close the polling place.
You will be paid: $120.00 for working Election Day and you must attend a minimum of one training session per election.