How to Become a Poll Worker

There are several different jobs available on Election Day. 

Election Officer (Judge, Minority Inspector or Majority Inspector) 

  • works "at the table", conducting the election in a non-partisan fashion
  • hours: usually 6:30am to 9:00pm
  • Judge of Elections also responsible for picking up and dropping off election materials
  • can be elected to a four-year term
  • can be appointed to the remainder of a four-year term
  • can be elected curbstone for one day
  • compensation as of 2012 in Philadelphia: $95-$100/day, paid by County Board of Eletions

Election Clerk or Machine Inspector, 

  • works "at the table" assisting Election Officers in a non-partisan fashion
  • hours: usually 6:30am to 9:00pm
  • Clerk appointed by Minority Inspector for one day
  • Machine Inspector appointed by City Commissioners
  • compensation as of 2012 in Philadelphia: $95/day, paid by County Board of Elections

Party Committeeperson

  • works outside the polling place on behalf of a political party
  • hours: arranged with Ward leader
  • can be elected to a four-year term
  • can be appointed by a Ward Leader
  • compensation at the discretion of the Ward Leader

Campaign Worker

  • works outside the polling place on behalf of a candidate
  • hours: at the discretion of the field organizer
  • usually hired directly by a campaign field organizer
  • compensation at the discretion of the field organizer