Promote Democracy: Serve as a Poll Worker

Before each statewide election, thousands of Californians sign up to help put on the single most important event we hold in a democracy. County elections officials depend on reliable, dedicated teams of poll workers to make every Election Day run smoothly.

Who can be a poll worker?

To serve as a poll worker you must be:

A registered California voter or legal resident of the United States who would be eligible to vote except for your citizenship status;

An eligible high school student

What does a poll worker do?

Sets up and closes a polling place

Helps voters understand their rights

Protects ballots and voting equipment

Why be a poll worker?

Get involved and assist voters

Contribute to your community

Earn extra money (amount varies by county)

How do you apply?

Visit pollworker.sos.ca.gov to complete the poll worker application. It only takes 2-3 minutes!

High School Poll Workers

California Elections Code section 12302 allows eligible high school students to serve as poll workers on Election Day. Student poll workers learn firsthand how elections are run, and provide much needed support at polling place locations. They end their day with a better understanding of the importance of voting and the vital role poll workers play in making our elections run smoothly.

County elections officials may assign up to five high school students to serve as poll workers in each election precinct. Students work under the direct supervision of appointed adult poll workers.

What does it take to be a high school poll worker?

To serve as a high school poll worker, a student must:

Be a United States citizen

Be at least 16 years old on Election Day

Attend a public or private high school

Have at least a 2.5 grade point average

Get permission from your parents and school

Attend a training session

In addition to learning firsthand how elections are run, student poll workers can be paid a stipend that generally ranges between $65 and $150, depending on the county.

For more information about becoming a high school poll worker, please contact your county elections official.

To encourage high school students to serve as poll workers, the Secretary of State invites students, teachers, school activities directors and others to post, email or hand out the High School Poll Worker recruitment flyer.

State Employees

Government Code section 19844.7, allows state employees to take time off, without loss of pay, to serve as poll workers on Election Day.

Regulations:

Employee shall be eligible for both regular state compensation and the fee paid by the Registrar of Voters for serving as a poll worker.

Eligibility of a state employee to serve at the polls is subject to approval by the employee's manager or supervisor.

Employee seeking release time to work at the polls shall provide sufficient notice to allow the department to maintain adequate coverage and meet operational needs.

Verification of service as a poll worker on Election Day may be required by the appointing authority by requiring the employee to provide written verification of service from the Registrar of Voters, including the name of the employee serving and the date of the election.

View a list of state agencies in your county.

For more information, please contact your county elections official.

Poll Worker Training Standards

Elections Code section 12309.5, requires the Secretary of State to adopt uniform poll worker training standards. These 2020 revised standards reflect lessons learned and changes in state law that have taken effect since the original standards were published in 2006.

Poll Worker Training Standards

Historical information on Poll Worker Training