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1. Is this a volunteer position or paid position?

It is a paid volunteer position, poll workers are paid for service.  Election Day poll worker is a Per Diem position with Carroll County and does not include any benefits (for example: health insurance, paid sick leave, annual leave, paid holidays).  The rates are :  Poll Mangers - $210.00, Assistant Poll Manager - $170.00, and Clerks - $140.00.  If a poll worker must leave during the Election Day due to illness or emergency, the pay will be prorated to the number of hours worked.

2. What are the hours of work on Election Day?

All poll workers must report to their assigned polling place by 6:00am on Election Day and remain on duty until the polls have closed and all paperwork is completed.  The poll manager and one assistant manager must accompany ballots and memory cards back to the Carroll County Elections office after all the poll activities have been completed.  All poll workers should anticipate a minimum 14 hour day, which may include a lot of standing or sitting in one position.

3. Do I really have to work all day?

Yes, you have to work all day!  Poll workers must be sworn in at the beginning of each Election Day.  Once you have been sworn in at the polling place, you are not allowed to leave until all Election Day activities have been completed.  If a poll worker must leave during the Election Day due to illness or emergency, their pay will be prorated to the number of hours worked.

4. Do Poll Workers recieve training?

All poll officers and poll workers shall be trained in all aspects of state and federal law applicable to conducting elections prior to each election.  No poll officer or poll worker shall serve at any election unless they have received training.

Those who complete training but then do not work, for any reason on Election Day, will not receive pay.  

5. How will I know the training schedule?

Your Poll Manager will contact you with dates and times of training classes. 

6. I have worked several elections, do I still have to receive training before each election?

Yes.  Regardless of how many times a person as worked as a poll worker, all poll workers are required by law to receive training before each election.

7. If I am working the poll, how do I vote? Can I leave to vote if I am not working at my precinct?

No.  Poll workers are required to vote prior to Election Day if they are not working their home precinct should either vote early in person up to 21 days before the election at the Elections Office or absentee by mail up to 45 days prior to the election.  Please visit the Early Voting or Absentee by Mail sections of Elections webpage for additional information, including forms, for absentee by mail voting.

8. Does the county provide lunch or snacks?

No.  Some precinct workers bring potluck while others bring their own food and snacks.  The Poll Manager should coordinate with all poll officials about the issue of food.  Election day poll workers are not allowed to leave the precinct to get food, please plan accordingly.

9. If I am a smoker, am I allowed smoke breaks?

Poll workers are required to follow the smoking policy of each polling place facility.  Some polling place facilities do not allow smoking on the premises.  Any scheduled breaks are determined by the Poll Manager.  

10. When are poll workers paid?

Carroll County Payroll issues checks by mail on a  bi-weekly schedule.  Please allow three weeks from the election date for mail delivery.  If you do not receive your paycheck within three weeks, contact Carroll County Payroll and not the Elections office.