Election Worker Info

Election Workers are an essential part of the successful creation of a positive experience for voters. The San Bernardino County Elections Office recruits election workers to participate on Election Day offering support at several polling locations throughout the county.

As a Poll Worker, you will be providing a vital civic duty to ensure that the right to vote is preserved. It's also a great way to serve your community, get involved in the democratic process, and earn extra money.

Requirements:To be eligible you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age and a registered voter in the state of California.
• Read and write English.
• Work on Election Day from 6:00 a.m. until approximately 9:30 p.m.
• Attend a mandatory 2 hour training session.
• Have transportation to the polling place.

Workday: You must be available to work between 6:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Election Day. The polls are set-up between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. and are open at 7:00 a.m.  The polls are closed at 8:00 p.m. and closing procedures may take an additional hour to complete.

Roles & Pay: There are 2 roles available. 

• Supervisor: $180 + mileage for Election Day and 6 hours training.
• Clerk: $115 for Election Day and 2 hours training.

Note:  Bilingual poll workers receive an additional $10.00 (must be fluent in English and Spanish).

Duties: The main duties are:

• Prepare, open, and close the polling place location.
• Find voters name on roster of voters.
• Distribute and receive official ballots for voters.
• Assist voters in every aspect of the voting process.

How to Apply: Download and print the Poll Worker Application [pdf]. Complete the application and mail, fax, or email it to the Elections Office.

The County Employee Poll Worker Program differs in two ways from the normal program, in terms of requirements and work time status.

Requirements:  To be eligible you must meet the above requirements, as well as:

• Be a Regular County Employee and be in good standing with your supervisor.

Employee Work Time:

• County employees are not required to use vacation time to work at the polls. County Employees will receive their regular county pay and the appropriate Election Day compensation.
• Overtime pay will not be given to County Employees.

How to Apply:  Download and print the County Employee Poll Worker Application. Complete the application and mail, interoffice mail, fax, or email it to the Elections office.

Working as a High School Student Poll Worker is a great opportunity to learn about the democratic process while serving your community and earning money.  The Student Poll Worker Program differs in three ways from the normal program, in terms of requirements, available roles, and how to apply.

Requirements:  To be eligible you must:

• Be a high school student at least 16 years of age and in good academic standing.
• Read and write English.
• Work on Election Day from 6:00 a.m. until approximately 9:30 p.m.
• Attend a mandatory 2 hour training session.
• Have transportation to the polling place.

Role & Pay:  Student workers can be Clerks: $115 for Election Day and 2 hours training.

Benefits to the Student:

• Students are given the opportunity for hands on experience in learning how elections are conducted and they gain a lifelong appreciation for the democratic process.
• Students receive training on how to provide services to voters at the polls and this experience can help with work experience.
• Students’ presence will inspire other students to register and to vote when they reach 18 years of age.
• Students will show their communities the support of the younger generation and at the same time meet new people.

How to Apply:  Contact your Government teacher for further information.

Two (2) Hour Training for Clerks & Supervisors:

All poll workers must complete the new two (2) hour mandatory basic training class to be a clerk or supervisor.  The training class includes a narrated PowerPoint presentation with videos and a hands-on simulation where an actual polling place is set up and simulated voters are processed.  Trainings will be held at several locations throughout San Bernardino County.

During training, evaluations of trainees will be conducted to identify workers who meet the minimum requirements for working.  Performance evaluations will also be conducted as well to identify workers’ strengths.  These evaluations will be used to place poll workers in the proper role on Election Day, or to give the worker the opportunity to advance to supervisor training.

Four (4) Hour Training for Supervisors:

Poll workers who will be supervisors and field representatives must also complete the newly added four (4) hour training class, in addition to the two (2) hour basic training class.  The class includes training on advanced polling place procedures, management and problem solving skills, and the setup and use of touch screen voting equipment. Trainings will be held at several locations throughout San Bernardino County.