Polll Worker Information and Resources

Polll Worker Information and Resources

Join Our Election Day Team!

Qualifications

  • U.S. Citizen & Berks County resident
  • Registered Voter

Pay

  • Judge of Election — $200.00 for election day, $75.00 for training, $20.00 for picking up supplies the Saturday before the election, $20.00 for returning supplies to the Election Services office on election night, and mileage
  • Majority & Minority Inspectors — $200.00 for election day and $30.00 for training
  • Clerks & Machine  Inspectors — $200.00 for election day and $30.00 for training

Hours

  • Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Poll workers should arrive at their assigned polling location no later than 6:15 AM
  • After 8:00 PM, poll workers assist in closing the polls and returning supplies to the County Election Services office

Training

  • A two-hour training is available to new and returning poll workers before every election
  • Training pay will be included in the election day pay
  • To schedule training classes online, an email address is required.  To create a free email address, please use How to Sign up for a Free Gmail Account instructions.
  • Please sign into the Poll Worker Portal using the Sign up for Election Poll Worker Training instructions.

Department of State Training Modules

Election Day: Roles & Responsibilities

Judge Of Election

Elected every four years, if a vacancy occurs, the Board of Elections will appoint

  • Contacts their election day team prior to election day
  • Reports any vacancies or absences to the Election Services office which occur prior to or on election day
  • Secures election supplies and materials from the Election Services office the Saturday before the election
  • Ensures the timely opening and closing of the polls – Polls must open at 7:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM or when the last voter in line has cast their vote
  • Ensures efficient operation of the polls throughout election day
  • Verifies polling place Watcher credentials
  • Reports any issues at the polls to the Election Services office
  • Returns voting supplies, materials, and equipment to designated drop-off site after polls close on election night

Majority & Minority Inspector

Elected every four years, if a vacancy occurs, the Board of Elections will appoint

  • Assists with opening, closing, and operating the polling place on election day, including:
  • Opening, setting up, and operating the Electronic Poll books
  • Posting signs, sample ballots, voting information, and other materials as required
  • Processing and assisting voters
  • Closing and securing the Electronic Poll books after polls close on election night
  • Minority Inspector keeps Envelope B, which holds a set of election returns, for one year

Machine Inspector

Appointed by the Board of Elections

  • Must have voting machines open and operable promptly at 7am on election day
  • Ensures the smooth and efficient operation of the voting machines throughout election day
  • Assists voters who are unfamiliar with voting machines and equipment
  • Confirms the voting machines and equipment is shut down and secured after the polls close on election day

Election Clerk

Appointed by the Minority Inspector, if a vacancy occurs, the Board of Elections will appoint

  • Keeps an accurate and complete Numbered List of Voters throughout election day
  • Assists in any capacity as requested by the Judge of Election throughout election day
  • Assists in opening and closing the polls, including posting voting materials and information

For questions or to apply for a poll worker position in Berks County, email the Election Services office here or complete the online application by clicking the link below.  

Election Official Application