You can help protect democracy by becoming a poll worker. Here’s how

Every year, poll workers in Pennsylvania are needed to assist voters at the polls. As an integral part of the democratic process, the state depends on these workers to ensure a fair and secure election at the more than 9,000 polling locations in the commonwealth.

Twice a year, every year, more than 40,000 people serve as poll workers in Pennsylvania to ensure a vital part of democracy — free, fair, and accessible elections — run smoothly. And you can be an integral part of the process on Election Day, Nov. 5.

The Department of State is currently seeking poll workers to staff the more than 9,000 polling locations throughout Pennsylvania. In recent years, county and state officials have found it increasingly difficult to fill these positions. They said the shortage hit hard during the 2020 election, in the midst of the COVID pandemic and an increase in threats against election workers. 

Poll worker applications for the November election are accepted on a rolling basis, varying by county.

Working the polls is a great way to serve your community and ensure Pennsylvania elections are safe and secure. 

Here’s what you need to know about getting involved:

How do you become a poll worker?

If you are interested in becoming a poll worker, just fill out the Poll Worker Interest Form on the state department’s website. Some counties have their own forms on their election websites, which you can find here.

After you submit the form, your county’s election office will review it and contact you if poll workers are needed in your county.

Who’s eligible to be a poll worker?

To be a poll worker, you must be registered to vote and you can only work as a poll worker in the county where you live. 

You cannot serve as a poll worker if you are currently a government employee or official, or if your name is on the ballot. Exceptions exist for district judges, notaries public, and Pennsylvania National Guard members.

High school students who are 17 years old may volunteer to work by filling out the Student Poll Worker Interest Form. They must meet additional requirements set forth by their county election office, and obtain permission from their principal and parent/guardian. 

What are the responsibilities?

Poll workers verify voter registrations, set up and run polling locations, and assist voters with the in-person voting process.

There are some specialized poll worker positions that are elected. Each polling location has an election board with a judge of elections, majority inspector, and minority inspector who help manage the polling place, track the number of voters, and ensure results are received by the county election office.

Another specialized position, the machine operator, is filled by appointment. They are in charge of the voting machines used on election day at the polls.

All poll workers are paid for the time they spend working on election day. They are paid between $75 and $200 a day. Some counties even pay poll workers for attending training.

Generally, poll workers must work the entire day on Election Day, starting before the polls open at 7:00 a.m. until after the polls close at 8:00 p.m.

What does the training involve?

To be a poll worker, you must attend a mandatory training session in-person or online before Election Day. Each county runs its own training, as voting systems vary.

The state department also offers various training modules to supplement the training provided by each county. These modules include videos and guides on checking in voters, checking voter identification, accepting provisional ballots, and assisting voters with disabilities.

Are you ready to vote? Make sure to check your voter registration status, see who’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.