Are efficient and fair elections important to you? Would you like to serve your community, meet your neighbors, and help preserve the sanctity of the right to vote? The Board of Elections is seeking personable, energetic people of integrity to staff the polls. If this sounds like you, then we have a place for you on Election Day! The following is provided to answer some of the more frequently asked questions.

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What are the requirements?

Requirements:

• Must be a resident of Chatham County.
• Must be age 16 or older.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Cannot be related to any of the candidates running for office.
• Must complete training class prior to each major election.

Skills:

• Possess good “people skills” and ability to work with diverse personalities.
• Proficiency in basic arithmetic.
• Detail oriented.

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How do I sign up?

Come in person to the Chatham County Board of Elections office, located at 1117 Eisenhower Drive, Suite F, with your Georgia Driver's License or other appropriate picture identification. Our office is open Monday through Friday, from 8am to 5pm. While in the office you will complete the application package, including a consent form for the required background check, and a Form W-4 Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate. We will contact you approximately one month prior to any election.
If you have not been contacted prior to an election, be sure to call and let us know that you are available.

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What are the duties of a Poll Worker?

• Report for work no later than 6:00 am on Election Day. Polls open at 7am and close at 7pm; however, any voters who are in line at 7pm may continue to vote. Workers are required to remain until all voting is complete, all of the paperwork is completed and signed, and all poll materials are packed up.
  Poll Workers are not allowed to leave the polling site during the day.
• Direct voters to the next step in the voting process. Positions vary within the poll and you may be asked by the poll manager to perform more than one throughout the day; this may range from thoroughly and accurately checking the identification of each voter to helping voters scan their marked ballots before leaving the poll.
• Provide a desirable first and last impression of the poll to the voting public.
• Answer voters’ questions when needed.
• Follow all instructions from the manager.

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Is training provided?

Yes, you will be required to complete in-class training and assigned assessments prior to each Primary and General Election. This is mandatory for all Poll Workers. New laws and procedures are constantly being introduced, and required paperwork frequently changes. If you work the full day at the poll on Election Day, your pay will include payment for your training.

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How much does a poll worker make?

As a new Poll Worker, you will begin as a Poll Clerk. All Poll Clerks receive $165 per election, plus $40 training pay. As you progress you may be eligible for a promotion to a higher poll position. You will be paid by check at the end of the work day or within the following weeks. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE TRAINING PAY, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE ALL OF YOUR ASSIGNED TRAINING FOR THE ELECTION AND YOU MUST WORK THE ENTIRE DAY ON ELECTION DAY.

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Will I be allowed time to go vote at my precinct on Election Day?

Poll workers are not able to leave their assigned polling place during Election Day. Unless you happen to be assigned to the precinct in which you are registered to vote, we encourage all of our Poll Workers to request an Absentee Ballot or take advantage of early voting. Each Poll Worker is placed by the Board of Elections staff, where needed, on a "one election at a time" basis, and there are no guarantees that you will be assigned to a poll in every election, or to the precinct in which you live, or that your next assignment will be the same as your last. Please call (912) 790-1520 for information about getting an Absentee Ballot.

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Miscellaneous Information

Dress should be tastefully casual and comfortable. Jeans must be clean with no holes. Tee shirts, hats, flip-flops, sweat suits or clothing with references to candidates, campaigns, or political parties are not allowed. Since you may be required to stand part of the day, wear comfortable shoes.

Each polling site varies as to the accommodations. Some have refrigerators and microwaves. Others do not. Your manager can instruct you on this. You’re advised to pack lunch, snacks, and drinks for the day. There will be a designated place for you to enjoy your lunch and breaks.

The discussion of politics within the polling place is prohibited, including but not limited to discussion of candidates, campaigns, or political parties.

Working as a Poll Worker can be a fun, rewarding experience. Please remember that this is serious and important, and it allows citizens to practice one of our most cherished freedoms. Attention to detail is critical. If you have questions or concerns about procedures or situations, please do not hesitate to call the Elections Office at (912) 201-4375

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