It's Your Turn: Be a Poll Worker
Qualifications, Compensation, & Election Dates
Qualifications
In order to be a poll worker, you must:
- Be a registered voter
- Be able to speak, read, and write English
- Not have a close relative appear on the current ballot
- Not hold elective office at the time of service as a poll worker
Exceptions to the elective office provision include:- political party committee
- township office
- Board or commission member of a political subdivision or special district (unless an issue or candidate relevant to that entity is on the ballot where you are working)
Compensation
Poll workers are paid for their service on Election Day and often for attending training sessions prior to Election Day. Your local election authority determines how much you will be paid, but in Missouri the daily pay ranges from about $64 to about $100.
Election Dates & Times
Tips for making the day more enjoyable
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Dress appropriately for the weather, keeping in mind the polling place temperature
- Check with your election authority on when to take lunches and breaks
- Get a good night’s sleep before Election Day – it’s a long day!
- If you have any questions – just ask your local election authority!
Cole County Election Judges at work.
"A+ experience. I am anxious to repeat."
- 2006 Poll Worker