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Poll Worker Information and Resources

Poll Worker Information and Resources

Join Our Election Day Team!


Qualifications

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

Pay

    • Judge of Election — $200 for election day, $55 for training, $20 for picking up supplies the Saturday before the election, $20 for returning supplies to the Election Services office on election night, and mileage reimbursement.
    • Majority & Minority Inspectors — $200 for election day and $30 for training
    • Clerks & Machine Inspectors — $200 for election day and $30 for training
    • Student Poll Workers - $200 for election day and $30 for training
    • Interpreters - $200 for election day and $55 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 Election Services office.

Training

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


Student Poll Workers

Assigned by the Election Services Office

    • Students may only work as Machine Inspectors or Election Clerks.
    • Must be 17 years old and have prior approval and parental consent.

Learn more about the Student Poll Worker program here


Interpreter

Assigned by the Election Services Office

    • Assist Spanish-speaking voters in the electoral process

Learn more about our polling place interpreters here


For questions or to apply for a poll worker position in Berks County, email the Election Services office here or complete the online application in the Poll Worker Portal.