Election Day Workers
How do I become an Election Day Worker in the District of Columbia?
Election Day Workers play a vital role in ensuring a successful election process and positive voting experience.
To serve as an Election Day Worker, you must:
- Be a resident of District of Columbia*
- Be at least 16 years old
- Complete at least four hours of training prior to each election
If you are selected and once assigned to an Early Voting Center or Election Day polling place, hours for work are:
- Early Voting: One of two six-hour shifts (8:00 am-2:00 pm OR 1:30 pm-7:30 pm) on days assigned
- Monday before Election Day (Polling Place Setup): Two to three hours on the Monday prior to Election Day
- Election Day: 6:00 am-9:00 pm
Location assignments are made based on staffing needs, not location. However, we will do our best to assign you to a location near your home.
Workers receive a one-time payment, which includes training*:
| Check-in Clerk |
$180 |
| Ballot Clerk |
$180 |
| Voter Assistance Clerk |
$180 |
| Special Ballot Clerk |
$180 |
| Precinct Captain |
$250 |
Election Day is often long, so make sure to bring any necessary prescriptions, food, and water to last throughout the day. We also recommend wearing comfortable clothes and a light jacket or sweater for any temperature changes inside the Early Voting Center or Election Day polling place.
* Precint Captians must be residents of District of Columbia and registered voters.
* Election workers with bilingual and advanced technical skills may earn an additional $50 by serving as precinct technicians on Election Day. Additional training is required.
How can I apply to be an Election Day Worker?
You can apply to be an Election Day Worker by completing the online application found here.
After applying, how will I know if my application has been received and/or accepted?
You will be notified by mail when your application has been received, processed, and you are selected to work. Processing includes the verfication of your address and registration status. If selected, you will then be scheduled for a training class.
What is in the training?
Applicants will be provided with general information on the District's voting system. After reviewing the information given, applicants will complete their application process by being entered into the DCBOE database.
Where will I work?
Polling places are located throughout the city in public and private schools, libraries, recreation centers, and churches. You will be assigned to a site near your home if possible. You may be asked to travel to other parts of the city to meet staffing needs for Election Day since some precincts may have more workers available than others.
What hours will I work?
On the Monday prior to Election Day, all workers will meet at their assigned polling place to receive their supplies and set-up their work stations; this usually takes two to three hours. The exact time will be coordinated by the Precinct Captain and communicated to each worker approximately two weeks prior to the election.
Polling place team members will work on Election Day from 6:30 am until approximately 9:00 pm or until released by the Precinct Captain.
Am I allowed to show support for a particular candidate if I am an Election Day Worker?
No. Electioneering of any kind is not allowed inside Early Voting Centers and Election Day polling places. Do not wear or display any candidate paraphernalia while on-duty during Early Voting or on Election Day.
At training, all Election Day Workers must sign an oath that they will abide by the same restrictions against political activity that DCBOE employees are obligated to follow. Election Day Workers may not campaign for any elected office, hold any office in any political party or political committee, or participate in the activities of or contribute to any political committee of any candidate in the District.
How do I get chosen to work during Early Voting?
In addition to Election Day, the Board sometimes employs a limited number of workers during Early Voting. They are assigned to shifts based upon need. Early Voting workers should be available to work approximately four shifts, including the weekend. Shifts typically will not exceed a total amount earned of $600 for working. Workers are assigned to one of nine Early Voting Centers.
I am a high school student. Can I apply to be an Election Day Worker?
Yes. Students in the District of Columbia who are 16 years of age or older on Election Day may work at a polling place, as well as receive a stipend and/or community service credits for their participation. Click
here to apply.