POLL WORKER: A Worker for Democracy
A BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Poll workers — also referred to as “Election Officers” — are a critical component of the American election process and serve a vital role in ensuring the integrity of our vote. Responsibilities include setting up polling locations, signing in registered voters, providing information and explaining voting procedures to the voters, oversight of voting equipment and ballots, and the monitoring of the conduct of the election.
HOW TO BECOME A POLL WORKER IN DELAWARE COUNTY
Poll workers are either elected to office (for a four-year term) or appointed by the Board of Elections. The Judge of Elections and the Majority and Minority Inspectors are elected, while the Machine Operator and Clerk are appointed.
To be considered for an appointment, interested Delaware County residents can submit the short application.
If there is no vacancy in your immediate area, you may be asked to consider serving in other areas.
If you are not appointed during the current election cycle, we will retain your information for future elections.
Note that all poll workers must be registered voters in Delaware County, comfortable with interacting with the public, and interested in learning and staying current with election rules. Training materials and classes are available, as well-trained poll workers are instrumental to the goal of ensuring secure and accurate elections.
POLL WORKER REQUIREMENTS
Citizen of the United States and a Registered Delaware County Voter
Must not hold any public office, appointment or employment in the government
Must not be a candidate running for public office on the ballot in precinct
Able to read, write and speak English
Must be physically capable of sitting and/or standing for long periods, hearing voters and writing information
Ability to follow instructions from the Judge of Election
Patience to listen and communicate in a courteous and efficient manner
Must attend County administered training sessions in advance of election
Must be completely non-partisan while serving in the precinct (not campaigning, handing out literature or wearing political items), and must work to keep the rest of the room where voting occurs a “campaign free zone.” The “campaign free zone” in the polling place is to ensure that voters are free to cast ballots without influence or intimidation.
POLL WORKER PAY
|
Judge of Elections |
$150 |
For each service precinct. Maximum of 2 precincts. |
|
Majority Inspector |
$140 |
For each service precinct. Maximum of 2 precincts. |
|
Minority Inspector |
$140 |
For each service precinct. Maximum of 2 precincts. |
|
Machine Inspector |
$140 |
For each service precinct. Maximum of 2 precincts. |
|
Clerk |
$140 |
For each service precinct. Maximum of 2 precincts. |
|
Pick up Supplies |
$20 |
Per election officer. |
|
Return Supplies |
$20 |
Per election officer. |
|
The supply pay is $20 regardless of how many precincts the election officer is handling. |
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Training Payments are also given for online and in-person training. For details on payments of $50.00 to $100.00 visit the Poll Worker Resource Page CLICK HERE.
STUDENT POLL WORKER PROGRAM
The Delaware County Elections Bureau is now accepting applications for the Student Poll Worker Program. This program promotes civic awareness and educates high school students (17 years of age or older) about the election process by allowing students to serve as paid poll workers (Clerks or Machine Operators) on election day. Students will learn responsibility, teamwork, and leadership while serving the community.
Students will be placed in voting precincts throughout the county as needed with a maximum of two students per precinct. Students will be required to attend all training sessions and will be expected to work the entire day.
We urge interested Delaware County High School students to apply.
Download and complete the Student Poll Worker Permission Form and email it to us at DelcoPollWorkers [at] co.delaware.pa.us return it to the Delaware County Bureau of Elections office in Media.
Delaware County Bureau of Elections
201 West Front Street, Ground Floor Government Center Bldg.
Media, PA 19063-2728
POLL WORKER CONTACT INFORMATION
Delaware County Elections uses email to communicate directly with Poll Workers. To ensure the County has up-to-date contact information, new Poll Workers are asked to complete the brief Poll Worker Staff Form, accessible through the button below.
If you are a current poll worker, you may also send updated information—including changes to your name, address, phone number, email address, and availability for the upcoming election—to us via email at delcopollworkers [at] co.delaware.pa.us.
Having accurate information will help ensure that we can quickly and easily communicate critical information to you in a timely manner. Thank you!
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions about serving as a poll worker, please contact the Election Bureau's Poll Workers Office by email at delcopollworkers [at] co.delaware.pa.us () and/or visit the Poll Worker Resource Page CLICK HERE.
Citation: Delaware County Bureau of Elections