Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I needed?

The Franklin County Board of Elections is committed to conducting fair and impartial elections that are well organized and professionally managed. This would be impossible without the thousands of dedicated Poll Workers who serve on Election Day.

Poll Workers are always in great demand. The Board hires about 5,500 dedicated, community-minded individuals as Poll Workers to staff and operate the polling locations of the County each Election Day.

Am I eligible?

Yes, if you are:

A registered voter in Franklin County

Enjoy working with people

Willing to attend a training session

Available for current election

Have reliable transportation

Have never been convicted of a felony

When am I needed?

The voting precincts must be fully staffed for all primary, general or special elections held in the county.

Primary Elections are held on the first Tuesday, after the first Monday in May. (Presidential Primaries – Date determined by the Ohio Legislature)

General Elections are held on the first Tuesday, after the first Monday in November.

Special Elections may be held on the first Tuesday, after the first Monday in February or August. (Only if issues have been filed)

Where will I work?

Many public buildings such as public schools, township halls, libraries and churches are used as polling locations. Voting locations must be barrier free.

Efforts are made to place you at a convenient location whenever possible.

How much will I be paid?

Voting Location Manager (registered Democrats or Republicans only)* Election Day: $133.72 Training: $50.00 Travel: $15.00

Precinct Election Official Election Day: $133.72 Training: $15.00



* ORC 3501.22(A) "The board shall designate one of the poll workers who is a member of the dominant political party to serve as a presiding judge, whose duty it is to deliver the returns of the election and all supplies to the office of the board. For these services, the presiding judge shall receive additional compensation in an amount, consistent with section 3501.28 of the Revised Code, determined by the board of elections."

What do I have to do?

Report to work at 5:30 a.m. on Election Day.

Presiding Judges must pick up election supplies at the Board of Elections Warehouse and return election materials and results to locations as designated by the Board.

Open the voting machines.

Check voter eligibility.

Help voters.

Close voting machines. (Polls close at 7:30 p.m.)

What is a 'RIDE ALONG' and what are their duties?

Effective September 12, 2008, Amended Substitute House Bill No. 350 will amend R.C. 3505.31 to require bipartisan teams of poll workers to transport ballots and other election materials from polling places to the board of elections after the close of the polls on Election Day. As amended, R.C. 3505.31 provides that, once ballots are counted and election materials are sealed at the end of Election Day,

"The presiding judge and an employee or appointee of the board of elections who has taken an oath to uphold the laws and constitution of this state, including an oath that the person will promptly and securely perform the duties required this section and who is a member of a different political party than the presiding judge, shall then deliver to the board the containers of ballots and the sealed pollbook, poll list, and tally sheet, together with all other election reports, materials, and supplies required to be delivered to the board."

The 'RIDE ALONG' will accompany the 'PRESIDING JUDGE/VOTING LOCATION MANAGER' from their polling location to the Board of Elections warehouse after the polls have closed to deliver all supplies as listed in the above statement. The 'RIDE ALONG' will be determined prior to ELECTION DAY by the Board of Elections.

How do I take the Ohio Secretary of State Online training?

Click here to be redirected to the Ohio Secretary of State On-Line training.