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, $40.00 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 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 in the Poll Worker Portal.