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. Chatham County citizens from all backgrounds are needed to serve as poll workers. Will you join us?

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What is required of a Poll Worker?

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.
• If you have been convicted of a felony, your Civil Rights must be restored AND ten years elapsed from the date of completion of your sentence.

Skills:

• Possess good “people skills” and ability to work with diverse personalities.
• Proficiency in basic arithmetic.
• Detail oriented.
• Computer, internet, and general technology experience is plus.

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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 to complete a poll worker application packet. Applications are received, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The application packet includes a CHRI Release/Waiver to consent to a Georgia background investigation, Form W-4 Employee’s Withholding Certificate, and the Chatham County Finance Department Direct Deposit Agreement Form. Applicants will be notified approximately 30 days after applying of their application status. If after 30 days you have not heard from an elections staff member, please give us a call at (912) 201-4375.

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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. Follow all instructions from the manager.
  Poll Workers are not allowed to leave the polling site during the day, so be sure to bring all medications, food, and drink you may need.
• Direct voters to the next step in the voting process and answer voters’ questions when needed.
• Be flexible; you may not work at the same location every election or perform the same duties each time.
• Provide a desirable first and last impression of the poll to the voting public.
• 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.

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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. Poll workers are paid for training and will receive a stipend from $75 to $320 for working in an election depending on their position. 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 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.

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Miscellaneous Information

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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