Election Workers
What are the requirements of an Election Worker in the District of Columbia?
To serve as an Election Worker, you must be a District of Columbia resident who is at least 16 years of age and attends or has graduated from a public or private secondary school or an institution of higher education.
To serve as a Site Coordinator, you must be a registered voter and a resident of the District of Columbia.
Residency and registration requirements do NOT apply to District government employees.
If you are selected and assigned to an Early Voting Center or Election Day Vote Center, 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 (Vote Center Set Up): Two to three hours on the Monday prior to Election Day
Election Day: 6:00 am - Dismissal
* Election Day is a long day's work, 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 Vote Center.
How will I know if my application has been received and/or accepted?
You will be notified by phone or email when your application has been processed and you are selected to work. Processing includes the verification of your address and registration status (where applicable). If selected, you will then be scheduled for a training class.
You may contact the Election Worker team at the DCBOE by calling (202) 741 -5283 or (202) 727-2525 or sending an email to [email protected].
What is involved in training?
Training consists of one 4-hour class for the positions of Registration Clerk, Ballot Clerk, and Voter Assistance Clerk. Site Coordinator training involves a full-day training program. Training is mandatory for all Election Workers.
Election Worker training will take place at the DCBOE offices located at 1015 Half Street, SE, Suite 750. Paid parking is available in and around 1015 Half St SE for $18-20. On Washington Nationals game days, however, parking can cost as much as $50 per lot/garage. For a complete list of home games at Nationals Park, visit https://www.mlb.com/nationals/schedule/printable-schedule.
The DCBOE is also metro accessible by the Green Line using the Navy Yard stop.
Make sure to plan ahead when visiting our offices.
Where will I work?
Vote Centers are located throughout the city in public and private schools, libraries, recreation centers, and churches. You will be assigned to a site that is convenient for you, if possible.
You may be asked to travel to other parts of the city to meet staffing needs during Early Voting or on Election Day, as some Vote Centers may have more available workers than others. Location assignments are made based on staffing needs, not the applicant’s preferred location. However, we will do our best to assign you to a location near your home.
What hours will I work? Will I be paid?
All Election Workers will meet at their assigned Vote Center 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 Vote Center Coordinator and communicated to each worker prior to the election.
Early Voting Workers can expect to work either Morning Shifts (8:00 am-2:00 pm) or Afternoon Shifts (1:30 pm-7:30 pm).
Election Day Workers will work from 6:00 am until approximately 9:00 pm on Election Day.
However, situations may arise when Election Day Workers will need to stay on site past 9:00 pm. We ask that all Election Day Workers be prepared to remain at their Vote Center until they are released by the Vote Center Coordinator.
Election Workers receive a one-time payment, which includes training and set up (on the Friday before Election Day). Election Workers who work on Election Day will earn a stipend of up to $250; Election Workers who working during the Early Voting period will earn $100 per shift. Site Coordinators will earn a stipend of up to $300. Student Election Workers ages 16-17 who work on Election Day and opt to receive payment instead of service hours can earn a stipend of up to $125.
Am I allowed to show support for a particular candidate if I am an Election Worker?
No. Electioneering of any kind is not allowed inside Voting Centers during Early Voting and on Election Day. Please do not wear or display any candidate paraphernalia while on-duty during Early Voting or on Election Day.
At training, all Election Workers must sign an oath that they will abide by the same restrictions against political activity that DCBOE employees are obligated to follow. Election 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 can I apply to be an ADA Compliance Election Worker?
If you are interested in applying to work as an ADA Compliance Election Worker please complete ADA Compliance Election Worker Application and return it to the ADA Coordinator for the DCBOE. Return instructions are contained in the form.
How are Election Workers selected to work during Early Voting?
Election Workers are selected to work during Early Voting after they have attended and passed a mandatory training class for the upcoming election. All Election Workers are requested to fill out an availability sheet, specifying the dates and shifts they are willing to volunteer for during Election Week. Depending on the need and availability at each Vote Center, Election Workers are assigned up to a maximum of four shifts at one of the 25 Vote Centers that are open during Early Voting.
Can high school students serve as Election Workers?
Yes. Students in the District of Columbia who are 16 years of age or older on Election Day may work at a Vote Center, and may receive a stipend and/or community service credits for their participation. To apply, complete and return the appropriate form below: