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Poll Workers

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1. What is the role of the Constable?

Election Day Constables work under the guidance of the Judge of Election and are responsible for preserving the peace and order at the polling location and ensuring that no qualified elector is obstructed from voting. Constables are also Elected, but they are not elected on the precinct level and do not fall under the purview of Voter Services. The Elected Constable must appoint the Election Day Constable through the Court of Common Pleas ahead of Election Day. 

2. Why is in-person training mandatory every election?

To conduct secure and fair elections we must ensure our Poll Workers are fully qualified to perform their duties on Election Day. Attending training is the only way to guarantee you are up-to-date on procedures and rules. During training, Poll Workers also get to ask questions and share their own experience with their peers.

3. I was elected but I do not like my elected role. What can I do?

Elected officials can only serve their elected role, unless they resign. You can still work the polls after resigning from an elected position, as long as there are openings.

4. How does the Judge of Election or Minority Inspector appoint a poll worker?

Judges of Election or Minority Inspectors looking to appoint a Clerk or Machine Operator should contact Voter Services by phone or email and provide the person’s First and Last Name, Registered Address, and Phone/Email. That allows our office to ensure all Poll Workers meet the eligibility requirements and receive the most up to date training information.

5. Can completed Absentee and Mail-in Ballots be accepted at the polls?

Absentee and Mail-in ballots can only be surrendered at the polls when the voter intends to vote in person. In no circumstance are Absentee and Mail-in ballots to be opened, scanned or accepted as a form of voting. Mail ballots can only be returned by mail, or in person to a secure drop box location or the Voter Services office.

6. What party affiliation does each poll worker need to be?

When filling a vacancy for an elected position the party affiliation of the appointed Poll Worker should match that of the elected one. Aside from that requirement, we strive to put together bipartisan teams. Regardless of party representation, on Election Day Poll Workers are not to engage in electioneering or political activity.

7. Is there training before the election?

We provide a mix of online and in-person training sessions. All poll workers must attend one in-person training session, and online sessions are optional. 

8. How many poll workers are at each polling location?

The staff inside of a polling location typically consists of five people: the Judge of Election, a Majority Inspector, a Minority Inspector, a Machine Operator and a Clerk. The Judge of Election & both Inspectors are elected to those positions every four years and are responsible for appointing the Machine Operator & Clerk. This means that we may not have any openings in your area.

9. How can I vote if I am not working at my registered precinct?

You can request an Absentee or Mail-in ballot. Applications can be submitted online, or in person when Satellite Offices are available. For more information, please visit www.montcopa.org/VoteByMail. Please note: We cannot guarantee that you will be able to leave during the workday to vote.

10. Will I work in my own voting precinct?

   Poll workers generally work in the precinct where they are registered,  but in the event of understaffing, electors from outside the precinct are permitted to work at the polls on Election Day. Elected Poll Workers are residents in the precinct.

11. How will I know if I am working and where to report on Election Day?

 You will be contacted by our office via email or phone once we have an opening. If you accept the assignment you will be sent a confirmation that will list available training sessions, your work location, and hours.

12. Do I get paid to be a poll worker?

All poll workers must sign the pay sheet on Election Day and are compensated for their work. The pay ranges from $225/day to $350/day, depending on the role served. The amount paid includes Election Day work and attendance of an in-person training session. 

13. How long do I work on Election Day?

Poll workers report to the polling location around 6AM to prepare for opening at 7AM and remain on duty until all materials have been collected and all paperwork has been completed at the end of the day, approximately around 9:30PM. Some locations might accommodate half-day shifts, at the discretion of the Judge of Elections. Half day shifts are as follows: 6AM-2PM or 2PM-9:30PM. Poll Workers are encouraged to bring their lunch/dinner, snacks and beverages as those will not be provided. 

14. I submitted an application but was not called to work. Should I submit a new one?

No, but if you move or any of your contact information changes please contact our office to update your record. 

15. If I submit an application, do I have to work on Election Day?

No. Once your information is received, we will confirm your eligibility and add you to our Poll Worker database. You will be contacted by phone or email once we have an opening.

16. What are the eligibility requirements to be a Poll Worker in Montgomery County?

a.    Registered to vote in Montgomery County

b.    Cannot be employed by the Government (Federal, State, County, Municipal, Borough, Township)

c.    Cannot be a candidate on the ballot

i.    Exceptions made for people running for political committees, Judge of Election or Inspector of Election

d.    Willing & able to serve on Election Day, approximately from 6 AM until 9:30 PM

e.    Must attend training

17. Are students allowed to help inside the polls?

Yes, since 2002, High School Students of good standing who are at least 17 years of age are eligible to work inside a polling location. Students may only serve as Clerks or Machine Operators. Interested students must fill out the Student Application form and Permission Slip in advance of Election Day to be placed in a polling location. High School students who are 18 years of age must be registered to vote in Montgomery County in addition to submitting the Application and Permission Slip forms.

18. Can a committee person serve as an election official?

Yes, as long as the committee person does not engage in any political activity while the polls are open and acts in a nonpartisan manner in all dealings inside the polls.

19. Who is eligible to work inside the polls?

Elected poll workers are residents in the precinct but in the event of under staffing, electors from outside the precinct are permitted to work at the polls on Election Day.