Behind every successful Election Day are the dedicated temporary poll workers who make it all possible. You may not know it, but these everyday people are a cornerstone of our democracy — keeping our elections running smoothly and ensuring that every voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot securely and fairly. If this sounds exciting to you, here’s what you need to know about working the polls!

1. What does a poll worker do?

Simply put, poll workers power our democracy. The critical job of a poll worker is to help administer our nation’s elections, ensuring the right to a secure, fair, and accurate vote in our communities. Have you ever been to the polls on Election Day? If so, then you’ve seen poll workers in action. Poll workers handle everything from setting up polling locations and checking in voters to distributing ballots, providing language assistance, helping voters with voting machines, answering questions about the process, and, most exciting of all, handing out “I Voted” stickers.

2. What are the requirements to be a poll worker?

There’s absolutely no experience required to become a poll worker! When you sign up, you’ll receive free training to make sure you’re ready for anything that comes your way on Election Day. Almost anyone can be a poll worker — you may have to meet certain age and residency requirements which can vary by state and county. Really all you have to do is sign up, get trained, and help our elections run smoothly!

3. What’s the point of being a poll worker?

Without poll workers, there are no elections. Our democracy needs people like YOU to make sure that every vote is counted so every voter can make their voice heard. When there aren’t enough poll workers to support our elections, voters experience long lines and unnecessary obstacles when trying to cast their ballot — especially in historically disenfranchised communities that already face barriers to voting.

4. What do I get out of being a poll worker?

By becoming a poll worker, you’ll play a vital role in safeguarding our democracy and protecting your community’s right to vote. You could be the reason that dozens of people in your community could vote when they otherwise might not. Plus, you may even get PAID. Most states provide compensation for poll workers, so depending on where you live you could receive a stipend for helping run our elections. Who wouldn’t want that?

5. I’m in! How do I sign up to be a poll worker?

To sign up to be a poll worker, visit powerthepolls.com/lcv and submit your contact information. From there, an election administrator will reach out to you with details on training, compensation, and your responsibilities. Then, when polls are open, you’ll spend anywhere from a couple of hours to the entire day powering our democracy and helping voters at the polls!