EAC Commissioners

Chair Donetta L. Davidson

Vice-Chair Rosemary E. Rodriguez

Commissioner Caroline Hunter

Commissioner Gracia M. Hillman 

EAC Staff

Thomas Wilkey, Executive Director

Juliet Hodgkins, General Counsel 

U.S. Election Assistance Commission

1225 New York Avenue, NW

Suite 1100

Washington, DC 20005

866–747–1471 (toll free)

HAVAinfo@eac.gov 

www.eac.gov 
Compendium of

State Poll Worker Requirements

August 2007

U.S. Election Assistance Commission

2nd Edition

Contents iii

Background.................................................................................................................................................. iv

Alabama ........................................................................................................................................................1

Alaska............................................................................................................................................................4

American Samoa...........................................................................................................................................6

Arizona ..........................................................................................................................................................9

Arkansas......................................................................................................................................................12

California .....................................................................................................................................................16

Colorado......................................................................................................................................................19

Connecticut.................................................................................................................................................22

Delaware......................................................................................................................................................27

District of Columbia.....................................................................................................................................30

Florida..........................................................................................................................................................32

Georgia........................................................................................................................................................34

Guam...........................................................................................................................................................37

Hawaii..........................................................................................................................................................39

Idaho ...........................................................................................................................................................42

Illinois...........................................................................................................................................................45

Indiana.........................................................................................................................................................48

Iowa.............................................................................................................................................................51

Kansas.........................................................................................................................................................54

Kentucky .....................................................................................................................................................57

Louisiana .....................................................................................................................................................60

Maine...........................................................................................................................................................64

Maryland......................................................................................................................................................67

Massachusetts ............................................................................................................................................70

Michigan......................................................................................................................................................73

Minnesota....................................................................................................................................................76

Mississippi...................................................................................................................................................79

Missouri.......................................................................................................................................................82

Montana ......................................................................................................................................................86

Nebraska .....................................................................................................................................................89

Nevada ........................................................................................................................................................93

New Hampshire...........................................................................................................................................96

New Jersey..................................................................................................................................................99

New Mexico...............................................................................................................................................103

New York ...................................................................................................................................................107

North Carolina ...........................................................................................................................................110

North Dakota .............................................................................................................................................113

Ohio...........................................................................................................................................................116

Oklahoma ..................................................................................................................................................119

Oregon.......................................................................................................................................................122

Pennsylvania .............................................................................................................................................125

Puerto Rico................................................................................................................................................128

Rhode Island .............................................................................................................................................131

South Carolina...........................................................................................................................................135

South Dakota.............................................................................................................................................138

Tennessee..................................................................................................................................................141

Texas .........................................................................................................................................................145

Utah...........................................................................................................................................................149

Vermont .....................................................................................................................................................153

United States Virgin Islands ......................................................................................................................156

Virginia.......................................................................................................................................................159

Washington................................................................................................................................................162

West Virginia..............................................................................................................................................166

Wisconsin..................................................................................................................................................169

Wyoming ...................................................................................................................................................172
iv Background

The United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is an independent, bipartisan agency created 

by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002. It was established to assist State and local election 

administrators with the administration of Federal elections. The EAC provides assistance by disbursing, 

administering, and auditing Federal funds for States to implement HAVA requirements; conducting studies 

and other activities to promote the effective administration of Federal elections; and serving as a national 

clearinghouse and resource of information regarding election administration. In addition, HAVA requires 

the EAC to adopt the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines and to establish a program for the testing, 

certification, decertification, and recertification of voting system hardware and software.

In 2005, the EAC commissioned two research studies involving poll workers under separate HAVA 

directives. These research projects have resulted in the recent publication of two election guidebooks: 

Successful Practices for Poll Worker Recruitment, Training, and Retention and A Guidebook for Recruiting 

College Poll Workers. This publication, the Compendium of State Poll Worker Requirements, complements 

these election guidebooks, offering a framework for understanding the legal limitations of poll worker 

services in many States. 

The compendium contains the State election statutes and administrative regulations that govern poll 

worker requirements for the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and four territories. These data were 

compiled by the Center for Election Integrity at Cleveland State University under an EAC contract using 

statutory research, review of State Board of Election Web sites, and review of the opinions of State 

attorneys general on relevant issues. In addition, information was gathered from various sources, including 

the National Association of Secretaries of States and the National Association of State Election Directors 

(NASED) Web sites. These data were then synthesized and distilled into individual quick reference sheets 

for each State.

Multiple efforts were made to confirm the data with every State and territory, including disseminating 

copies of the State sheets for verification at the NASED conference in February 2006 and following 

up individually with the offices of election directors and secretaries of State. In December 2006, the 

compendium was updated, noting where outstanding questions remained. In July 2007, the EAC again 

contacted the States where outstanding questions remained and requested verification of the information. 

Because the compendium is a compilation of State laws, regulations, and information provided by each 

State and territory, the EAC is not responsible for the content or currency. State laws change, and any user 

of this document should verify the current state of the laws. The EAC has not edited or altered the text of 

this compendium for consistency, accuracy, or syntax.
Legal Criteria for Selection of Poll Workers

For complete explanations of legal criteria and State statute citations, please refer to individual State sheets available on the EAC Web site. 

State policies and laws may change frequently.

* Residency: Different States require different levels of residency to serve as a poll worker. That is, some require residency at the precinct where you serve, some require residency at the county level, and a few require only that you be a resident of the State. Residency generally refers to the place where you are registered to vote.** Duration of Term: Often poll workers are qualified to work for the term indicated, but not required to work.*** These States did not verify all the information listed. Some may have internally contradictory statutes that require interpretation.N.I. = No information available.

Alabama Yes 18 Precinct resident Affiliated given preference 

 Parties submit nominees 

by 45 days before election, 

board appoints between 

20 and 15 days before 

election, or 25 days 

before primary

N.I. N.I.

Yes,

if voting 

machines

are used

Electronic voting specialists 

Alaska Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Youth Vote 

Ambassador 

program

Precinct resident 

given preference, 

then choose from 

district, then choose 

from State

Affiliated given 

preference

Party committees 

nominate by 4/15 of 

election year. 

If no nominations, 

then supervisor appoints.

Term 

specified 

through 

agreement

N.I.

No,

but must 

swear oath 

to perform 

duties

Youth Vote Ambassador for 

16-to-17-year-old students.

Will be trained and compensated.

Arizona*** Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

Precinct resident 

given preference, 

then choose from 

county

No affiliation required 

for clerks and in 

nonpartisan elections. 

Affiliation required for 

inspectors, marshals, 

and judges.

Board of Supervisors 

appoints clerks and party 

nominees. Parties submit 

nominees 90 days before 

election.

Election N.I. Yes

16-to-17-year-olds with election 

officer supervision, if trained and 

have parent’s permission

Arkansas Yes

18 or student in 

Election Page 

program

Precinct resident 

given preference, 

then choose from 

county

Affiliated given 

preference 

Political party 

commissioners on county 

board designate nominees 

at least 20 days before 

election

N.I. Yes

Yes,

for some 

election 

officials

Election pages (volunteers 

under 18) and college students 

selected as election officials by 

county board in cooperation with 

student government

California*** Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

State resident No affiliation required

Election board appoints. 

Parties may submit 

nominees 90 days 

before election.

N.I. Varies by county

Varies by 

county; 

legislation 

for uniform 

standards 

pending

Translators and 16-to-17-year-old 

students with at least 2.5 GPA 

and in good standing. 

Will be compensated.

States and 

Territories

Must Be 

Registered 

Voter in 

State

Age 

Requirement 

To Serve as

Poll Worker

Residency

Requirement

To Serve as

Poll Worker*

Political Party

Affiliation Required

Nomination Process

To Become a 

Poll Worker

Duration 

of Term 

Required for 

Service**

Part-Time 

Available

Training 

Required Alternative Positions

iv–a
Colorado*** Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

County resident given 

preference, then 

choose from State

Affiliation required, 

unless insufficient 

workers available 

County appoints party 

nominees submitted 

10 days after caucus and 

appoints unaffiliated 

the last Tuesday in April 

of even years

2 years 

starting last 

Tuesday 

in May of 

even years

N.I. Yes

16-to-17-year-old students 

if in good standing, trained and 

have parent’s permission. 

Will be compensated.

Connecticut*** Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

Town or district 

resident

Affiliated given 

preference 

Registrar appoints.

If insufficient numbers, 

may appoint from outside 

geographic area or 

political party.

Election

Yes,

for voting 

machine 

tenders 

and 

checkers 

Yes

Voting machine mechanics do 

not have to be registered voters; 

16-to-17-year-old students 

if resident, trained, and have 

parent’s permission

Delaware*** Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

District resident given 

preference then 

choose from county. 

College students 

who are Delaware 

residents may serve 

in school’s county.

Affiliation required, 

unless insufficient 

workers available 

Election officers appoint 

from party nominees 

submitted by 2/1.

County government may 

recruit students.

1 year 

from 4/1 N.I. Yes

16-to-17-year-old students if 

Delaware citizens and have 

parent’s permission

District of Columbia*** Yes

18 or 16 

pursuant to 

Youth Pollworker 

Program

District resident No affiliation required N.I. N.I.

Yes, but 

only for 

students

Yes

Roles available for high school 

and college students 16 and 

up who are residents but not 

qualified registered electors. 

Part-time possible.

Florida*** Yes 18 or 17 and preregistered County resident No affiliation required

County supervisor of 

elections appoints election 

board members at least 

20 days before election

N.I. N.I. Yes N.I.

Georgia No 16

County resident 

or resident of 

municipality for 

purely municipal 

elections

No affiliation required

Superintendent appoints. 

Will consider nominees 

of political parties for 

appointments.

None N.I.

Yes,

except for 

special 

elections

None. Students 16 and up may 

be appointed as part of normal, 

standard practice.

Hawaii Yes1

18 or 16 if 

insufficient 

registered voters 

available

Precinct resident 

given preference, 

then choose from 

district, then choose 

from unregistered

Affiliation required, 

unless insufficient 

workers available 

Chief election officer 

appoints from party 

nominees submitted at 

least 60 days

before election

N.I. N.I.

Yes

for new 

workers, and 

maybe for 

others

N.I.

States and 

Territories

Must Be 

Registered 

Voter in 

State

Age 

Requirement 

To Serve as

Poll Worker

Residency

Requirement

To Serve as

Poll Worker*

Political Party

Affiliation Required

Nomination Process

To Become a 

Poll Worker

Duration 

of Term 

Required for 

Service**

Part-Time 

Available

Training 

Required Alternative Positions

Legal Criteria for Selection of Poll Workers iv–b
Idaho No

None or 

17 pursuant to 

Student Election 

Assistant statute

No residency 

requirements, but 

in practice, precinct 

residents given 

preference

Affiliated given 

preference

Precinct committeemen 

nominate. If numbers 

insufficient, county clerk 

nominates.

N.I. N.I. Yes

No more than two 17-year-old 

students may be appointed per 

precinct. Must be U.S. citizens 

and under supervision of 

election board member.

Illinois*** Yes

18 or 17 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

Precinct resident, but 

one judge in each 

precinct may be from 

county

Affiliation required

County board appoints 

from party nominees 

submitted 10 days before 

board’s annual meeting

2 years N.I. Yes

17-year-old students, U.S. 

citizens, in good standing, 

3.0 GPA, parent’s and 

principal’s permission, 

having completed training

Indiana Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student 

Assistant Poll 

Clerk statute

County resident

Affiliation required; 

college student 

exception: nonpartisan 

roles available if parties 

fail to make nominations

County board appoints 

from party nominees 

submitted at least 21 days 

before election

Election

Yes, 

except for 

inspector 

position

Yes, for 

inspectors. 

County may 

require for 

others.

College students, registered to 

vote, may serve as nonpartisan 

workers if political parties miss 

deadline for nominations

Iowa Yes 18

Precinct resident 

given preference, 

then choose from 

county. Students 

may choose home or 

school residence for 

registration & voting.

Affiliation required, 

unless insufficient 

workers available

Commissioner appoints 

from party nominees 

submitted at least 20 days 

before election

Usually 2 

years

N.I.

Yes, for some 

election 

officials

Student Election Assistant 

legislation is pending

Kansas Yes 18 Voting area or county resident Affiliation required

County election officer 

appoints from party 

nominees submitted 

at least 30 days before 

primary or general election

N.I. N.I.

County must 

provide 

training 

(unclear if 

required)

One 16-to-18-year-old may serve 

on each election board

Kentucky Yes 18 prior to next election

Precinct resident 

given preference, 

then choose from 

county

Affiliation required, 

unless emergency 

appointment is 

necessary

County board appoints 

from party nominees 

submitted before 3/15 

each year

1 year, 

except for 

minors who 

serve for 

election

N.I.

Yes, unless 

excused 

for illness 

or other 

emergency

One 17-year-old, turning 18 

before next election, may serve 

on each election board

States and 

Territories

Must Be 

Registered 

Voter in 

State

Age 

Requirement 

To Serve as

Poll Worker

Residency

Requirement

To Serve as

Poll Worker*

Political Party

Affiliation Required

Nomination Process

To Become a 

Poll Worker

Duration 

of Term 

Required for 

Service**

Part-Time 

Available

Training 

Required Alternative Positions

Legal Criteria for Selection of Poll Workers iv–c
Louisiana Yes 18 prior to next election

Precinct residents 

given preference, 

then choose from 

ward, then from 

parish. Students may 

choose either home 

or school residence 

for registration 

and voting.

Affiliation required

Parish board chooses 

certified candidates 

on 20th or 29th day 

before election. Rules may 

be different for elections 

held within 1 year of 

declared emergency.

1 year 

or one 

election, 

depending 

on role

No Yes

17-year-old students, not voters 

but otherwise qualified, 

may serve in precinct where 

will be registered

Maine*** Yes

18, but may 

consider 

17-year-old 

student for 

position

Resident of 

municipality, unless 

a nonresident 

municipal clerk is 

acting as a poll 

worker

No affiliation required 

for officers. Affiliation 

required for clerks.

Municipality appoints 

officers. Officers appoint 

clerks from party 

nominations submitted by 

4/1 of election year.

2 years 

for clerks No

Secretary 

of State 

encourages 

biennial 

training

17-year-old students may be 

appointed and may perform all 

the functions of an election clerk

Maryland Yes

18 or 17 if 

determined 

qualified

County resident given 

preference, then 

choose from State

Affiliated given 

preference

Election directors appoint; 

local boards approve. 

Equal numbers from major 

parties required.

18 months

Yes, 

except 

for chief 

judge

Yes

Montgomery County recruits 

Spanish-speaking judges per 

Voting Rights Act; 17-year-olds 

who are qualified

Massachusetts Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

Commonwealth 

resident

Affiliated given 

preference, but some 

spots reserved for 

unaffiliated

Election commission or 

clerk appoints from party 

nominees submitted by 

6/1 each year

1 year, 

starting in 

September

N.I.

No, but 

training 

legislation is 

pending

Two 16-to-17-year-old students 

may serve if Commonwealth 

residents, have parent’s and 

principal’s permission, 

and are trained

Michigan Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

County resident Affiliation required

Board appoints from 

party nominees submitted 

by 5/15, but individuals 

must also file personal 

applications

Election N.I. Yes

One 16-to-17-year-old county 

resident, not voter but otherwise 

qualified, may serve but not as 

chairperson

Minnesota Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

Precinct resident 

given preference, 

then choose from 

State

Affiliation required

County auditor appoints 

from party nominees 

submitted by 7/1 

of the election year

N.I.

Yes, 

except 

for head 

judge

Yes, 

but if under 

100 voters 

only two 

judges need 

to be trained 

16+year-old students appointed 

without party affiliations. Must 

be county residents and have 

training and parent’s permission.

States and 

Territories

Must Be 

Registered 

Voter in 

State

Age 

Requirement 

To Serve as

Poll Worker

Residency

Requirement

To Serve as

Poll Worker*

Political Party

Affiliation Required

Nomination Process

To Become a 

Poll Worker

Duration 

of Term 

Required for 

Service**

Part-Time 

Available

Training 

Required Alternative Positions

Legal Criteria for Selection of Poll Workers iv–d
Mississippi*** Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

County resident

No affiliation required 

in general and special 

elections. Affiliation 

required for primaries.

County appoints for 

general and special 

elections. Parties appoint 

for primaries.

N.I. N.I. Yes

16+year-old students, enrolled 

in high school or college, 

recommended by school official, 

resident of municipality, trained 

and under supervision

Missouri Yes

18 or 15 pursuant 

to Youth Election 

Participant statute

Resident of 

jurisdiction, unless 

jurisdiction’s election 

authority gives 

special permission 

to work in another 

jurisdiction

Affiliated given 

preference

Election authority or board 

appoints party nominees 

and from its own list 

of unaffiliated and 

minor parties

Election, 

or term 

coincident 

with 

board’s 

term

Yes Yes

15-to-17-year-old students who 

show age-appropriate academic 

ability and demeanor and are of 

good repute

Montana Yes 18

Precinct resident 

given preference, 

then choose from 

county

Affiliation required

County appoints from 

party nominees submitted 

at least 45 days 

before primary election in 

even-numbered years

Serve 

until other 

judges 

appointed

Yes,

if three 

judges 

present at 

all times

Yes

Election worker is individual 

designated to perform election 

support duties and can be youth

Nebraska Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

In places with 

commissioners—

county resident. 

In places without 

commissioners—

precinct resident 

given preference.

Affiliated given 

preference

Election commissioner 

or county clerk appoint, 

dividing appointees along 

major party lines

2 years 

or four 

elections, 

depending 

on size of 

county

Yes Yes

One 16-to-17-year-old 

may serve in each precinct 

if meets all requirements other 

than age and registration. 

Considered unaffiliated.

Nevada*** Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Election Officer 

Trainee statute

County resident Affiliated given preference County appoints party nominees submitted by 60 days before election

Day before 

election 

until 

contest 

deadline 

expires 

N.I.

Yes 

for chairmen 

and others 

using 

mechanical 

systems

One 16-to-17-year-old high 

school student may serve in each 

precinct if trained. Considered 

unaffiliated.

New Hampshire*** Yes

18 or 17 pursuant 

to Assistant 

Election Official 

statute

Voting district 

(precinct) resident

No affiliation required 

for assistant moderators 

and assistant town 

clerks. Affiliation 

required for inspectors.

Moderators (elected) 

and town clerks appoint 

assistants. Parties appoint 

inspectors.

Inspectors: 

2 years; 

assistants: 

election

N.I.

Training 

available, but 

may not be 

required

17-year-olds may be appointed 

to central polling place in State 

elections as assistant election 

officials

States and 

Territories

Must Be 

Registered 

Voter in 

State

Age 

Requirement 

To Serve as

Poll Worker

Residency

Requirement

To Serve as

Poll Worker*

Political Party

Affiliation Required

Nomination Process

To Become a 

Poll Worker

Duration 

of Term 

Required for 

Service**

Part-Time 

Available

Training 

Required Alternative Positions

Legal Criteria for Selection of Poll Workers iv–e
New Jersey Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

County resident

Affiliation required, 

unless insufficient 

workers available

County board appoints 

from individual 

applications in 

consultation with 

county parties

1 year 

starting 

4/25

Yes Yes, every 2 years

Translators of Hispanic origin 

and fluent in Spanish; 

16-to-17-year-olds if in school 

or graduated and have 

parent’s permission

New Mexico*** Yes 18

Precinct resident 

given preference, 

then choose 

from county

Affiliation considered 

in effort to maintain 

equal political party 

representation

County appoints party 

nominees submitted by 

30 days before 

appointments. 

Also appoints from 

nonparty lists.

2 years N.I. Yes Messengers and translators

New York*** Yes 18

County resident or, 

for New York City, 

city resident

Affiliation required

County appoints from 

party nominees submitted 

by 5/1 each year. 

Also may appoint from 

own inspector list.

1 year or 

partial 

unexpired 

term from 

7/15–7/14

Legislation 

pending

Yes, 

every 3 years

Translators, information clerks, 

and door clerks may not need to 

be registered. Legislation pending 

to allow student poll clerks.

North Carolina Yes

18 or 17 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

Precinct resident 

given preference 

Affiliation required, 

unless insufficient 

workers available

County board appoints 

party nominees submitted 

at least 5 days before the 

3rd Tuesday in August

2 years, 

unless 

substituting 

precinct 

resident

No Yes

Part-time assistants; 

17-year-old students if county 

residents, with exemplary record, 

principal recommendation,

 and parental consent

North Dakota Yes

18 or 16 if 

in school or 

graduated

Precinct resident 

given preference, 

then choose from 

legislative district, 

then from county

Affiliation required 

for judges and clerks, 

but inspectors may 

be unaffiliated

District party chairs 

appoint judges and clerks 

by submitting names 

21 days before election

Inspectors 

serve until 

successor 

named

N.I. Yes

Two 16-to-17-year-old high 

school or college students 

(or graduates) per election board. 

Must be in good standing and 

precinct residents.

Ohio*** Yes

18 or 17 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

County resident Affiliation required

County boards appoint by 

majority vote on 9/15 

each year. 

Presiding judge chosen 

from dominant party.

1 year 

starting 

9/15

No Yes

Additional officials (affiliation 

required) and interpreters; one 

17-year-old high school senior 

per precinct if county resident 

and declares party affiliation

Oklahoma Yes 18 County resident

Affiliation required for 

judges and clerks, 

but inspectors may 

be unaffiliated

County election board 

appoints from party 

nominees submitted every 

4 years beginning 6/15/75

Judges 

and clerks: 

4 years; 

inspectors: 

until resign 

or removed

N.I. Yes, every 2 years Assistants, but must meet same requirements as precinct officials

States and 

Territories

Must Be 

Registered 

Voter in 

State

Age 

Requirement 

To Serve as

Poll Worker

Residency

Requirement

To Serve as

Poll Worker*

Political Party

Affiliation Required

Nomination Process

To Become a 

Poll Worker

Duration 

of Term 

Required for 

Service**

Part-Time 

Available

Training 

Required Alternative Positions

Legal Criteria for Selection of Poll Workers iv–f
Oregon 

Oregon is a “Voteby-Mail” State and, therefore, uses very few poll workers.

Yes2

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

County resident No affiliation required

County clerk appoints 

and political parties may 

file objections, which must 

be considered

2 years N.I. Yes

One nonelector county resident 

may serve in each precinct, 

but not as chair. If the nonelector 

is 16 to 18 years old, 

must have a valid work permit.

Pennsylvania*** Yes

18 or 17 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

Election District 

resident

Judges and inspectors 

elected at municipal 

elections

Election for judges and 

inspectors. Inspectors 

appoint clerks and 

machine operators.

Judges and 

inspectors: 

4 years; 

clerks and 

operators: 

no term

Yes

Yes 

for judges, 

inspectors, 

operators. 

No for clerks.

Overseers; two 17-year-old 

students per precinct, county 

residents, with principal’s 

approval and parent’s consent. 

May not be judge or inspector.

Rhode Island*** Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student 

Trainee statute

City, town, senatorial 

or representative 

district, or voting 

district resident

Elected in some 

jurisdictions. In others, 

affiliation considered 

in effort to maintain 

equal political party 

representation.

Methods for choosing 

poll workers differ greatly 

by jurisdiction

N.I. N.I. Yes

Election inspector and 

translators; 16-year-old student 

trainees compensated, 

if municipal residents, 

academically acceptable, 

with parent’s permission

South Carolina Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

County resident 

or resident of 

adjoining county 

No affiliation required, 

except to limited degree 

in primary elections

Commissioners appoint. 

For primaries, appoint 

from party nominees 

submitted 45 days 

before primary.

None N.I. Yes

One 16-to-17-year-old student 

assistant for every two poll 

workers, if trained

South Dakota Yes 18

Precinct resident 

given preference, 

then choose from 

county

Affiliation required

County auditor appoints 

from party nominees 

submitted at least 45 days 

before election

N.I. No

Available, but 

may not be 

required

N.I.

Tennessee Yes 17

State house 

legislative district 

or county resident, 

depending on 

poll worker role 

and government 

organization

Affiliation required, 

unless insufficient 

workers available 

County commission 

appoints from party 

nominees submitted 

30 days before 

appointments made 

N.I. N.I.

Yes, but 

sometimes 

waived, 

except for 

inspectors

N.I.

States and 

Territories

Must Be 

Registered 

Voter in 

State

Age 

Requirement 

To Serve as

Poll Worker

Residency

Requirement

To Serve as

Poll Worker*

Political Party

Affiliation Required

Nomination Process

To Become a 

Poll Worker

Duration 

of Term 

Required for 

Service**

Part-Time 

Available

Training 

Required Alternative Positions

Legal Criteria for Selection of Poll Workers iv–g
Texas Yes 18

If judge, precinct 

resident given 

preference, then 

choose from county. 

If clerk, county or 

subdivision resident.

Affiliation required, 

unless insufficient 

workers available

County appoints judges 

from party nominees 

submitted in July. 

Presiding judge appoints 

clerks from party 

nominees.

Usually 

1 year 

starting on 

8/1

Yes, 

for clerks

Available, but 

may not be 

required

Translators

fluent in English and Spanish

Utah Yes 18

County resident for 

general and primary 

elections. Jurisdiction 

resident for local 

elections.

Affiliation required in 

general and primary 

elections, unless 

insufficient workers 

available

County appoints 

from party nominees 

submitted by April 1 of 

even-numbered years. 

Municipalities nominate 

and appoint.

2 years, 

but may 

not serve 

at every 

election 

during term

N.I. Training being developed Many requirements for election judges will change contingent on pending legislation

Vermont

Yes, 

unless 

approved 

16- or 17-

year-old 

assistant

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Youth Election 

Assistant statute

Voting district 

resident; exception 

for larger 

municipalities 

with combined 

voting districts

Affiliation considered 

in effort to maintain 

equal political party 

representation

Town clerk is generally 

presiding officer, and 

board of civil authority 

appoints assistants

Assistants 

serve for 

term of 

election 

Possible. 

Hours 

set by 

presiding 

officer.

Yes

May be elected to Board of 

Civil Authority that administers 

elections; 16-to-17-year-olds may 

serve if supervised

Virginia*** Yes 18

Precinct resident 

given preference, 

then choose from 

Commonwealth

Affiliation generally 

required “if feasible.” 

Equal political party 

representation required, 

unless an odd number is 

on the board.

Electoral board appoints 

party nominees submitted 

10 days before 2/1 

each year

No more 

than 3 

years

Yes, 

except for 

chief and 

assistant 

chief 

officers

Yes N.I.

Washington

No. 

Must be 

qualified 

major 

party 

member 

or trained

None Precinct resident

Affiliation required, 

unless insufficient 

workers available

County auditor appoints 

from party nominees 

submitted by 6/1, or from 

off the list if there are 

insufficient nominees

Election N.I.

Yes, but may 

be waived for 

those with 

experience

N.I.

West Virginia Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Election Official 

Trainee statute

County resident 

for countywide 

elections. Resident 

of municipality for 

municipal elections.

Affiliation required for 

two of three positions in 

a precinct

County appoints two 

workers from party 

nominees submitted 56 

days before election, and 

then selects the third 

worker

Election N.I. Yes

16-to-17-year-olds who have met 

the requirements other than being 

registered voters

States and 

Territories

Must Be 

Registered 

Voter in 

State

Age 

Requirement 

To Serve as

Poll Worker

Residency

Requirement

To Serve as

Poll Worker*

Political Party

Affiliation Required

Nomination Process

To Become a 

Poll Worker

Duration 

of Term 

Required for 

Service**

Part-Time 

Available

Training 

Required Alternative Positions

Legal Criteria for Selection of Poll Workers iv–h
States and 

Territories

Must Be 

Registered 

Voter in 

State

Age 

Requirement 

To Serve as

Poll Worker

Residency

Requirement

To Serve as

Poll Worker*

Political Party

Affiliation Required

Nomination Process

To Become a 

Poll Worker

Duration 

of Term 

Required for 

Service**

Part-Time 

Available

Training 

Required Alternative Positions

Legal Criteria for Selection of Poll Workers iv–i

Wisconsin No3

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

Ward or election 

district resident. 

In emergency may 

fill vacancies from 

residents of other 

wards or districts.

Affiliation required 

unless insufficient 

workers available

Governing body or board 

appoints from party 

nominees submitted by 

11/30 of even-numbered 

years

2 years 

starting 

12/1; must 

serve at 

every 

election

N.I. Yes

Special election deputies for 

registration and absentee voting; 

16-to-17-year-old students with 

3.0 GPA and parent’s permission

Wyoming Yes

18 or 16 if 

otherwise qualified 

as an elector

County resident

Affiliation required 

unless insufficient 

workers available

County appoints first from 

party nominees, then 

from municipal nominees, 

submitted by the third 

Tuesday of May

2 years, 

or until 

successor 

appointed

N.I. Yes

16-to-17-year-olds may serve, 

but no more than one under 18 in 

precinct

American Samoa Yes 18

District resident given 

preference, then 

choose from outside 

the district

No affiliation required

Chief election officer 

appoints from public’s 

applications and list of 

local government officials

N.I. N.I. Yes N.I.

Guam*** Yes

18 or 16 pursuant 

to Student Election 

Assistant statute

District resident No affiliation required

Election Commission 

appoints not less than 

60 days before election

N.I. N.I. Yes

No more than two 16-to-17-

year-old students per precinct if 

seniors and in good standing with 

at least a 2.5 GPA

Puerto Rico*** Yes 18 by next general election

Election district 

resident (must be in 

possession of elector 

identification card)

Affiliation with 

party, candidate, 

or organization 

participating in election 

is required

Local election 

commissioners (political 

party representatives) 

appoint poll workers

Election No Yes Poll workers are not compensated

U.S. Virgin Islands Yes 18 District resident

Affiliation considered 

in effort to maintain 

equal political party 

representation

Board appoints, no later 

than 20 days before 

election. Parties have right 

to submit nominations.

N.I. N.I. N.I. N.I.

1. In Hawaii, the statute allows unregistered voters to be poll workers if no registered voters are available; however, any unregistered workers would have to meet all the qualifications making them eligible to register.2. One unregistered Oregon citizen may serve on each board.3. A Wisconsin citizen does not have to be registered to vote to serve as a poll worker, but he or she must still meet all the qualifications making them eligible to register.

Alabama 1

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must “appoint from the qualified electors of the respective precinct.”

Ala. Code § 17-8-1 (Legislation enrolled 4/06, awaiting gubernatorial approval, anticipated effective 1/07.)(Thomson/

West 2006).

For the purpose of election officer eligibility, a “qualified elector” may be interpreted to mean someone 

registered to vote in Alabama.

Alabama Attorney General Opinion, 91-00156, (2/1/91); Alabama Attorney General Opinion, 96-00286 (8/5/96).

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

Ala. Const. Art. VIII, §177(a); Ala. Code § 17-3-30 (Legislation enrolled 4/06, awaiting gubernatorial approval, 

anticipated effective 1/07.)(Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State and County for the time provided by law. 

Ala. Const. Art VIII, §177(a) Ala. Code § 17-3-30 (Legislation enrolled 4/06, awaiting gubernatorial approval, 

anticipated effective 1/07.)(Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct.

Ala. Const. Art VIII, §196A; Ala. Code § 17-8-1 (Legislation enrolled 4/06, awaiting gubernatorial approval, anticipated 

effective 1/07.)(Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required. No later than 45 days before the election the two political parties which 

received the highest number of votes in the state in the preceding election, may provide appointing board 

with a list of recommended poll workers from qualified electors from each voting place. No more than 

20 days or less than 15 days before an election, the appointing board shall use the lists to appoint, to 

each voting place, one inspector and at least three clerks from members of opposing political parties, if 

practicable. 

Ala. Code § 17-8-1; Ala. Code § 17-8-5(Legislation enrolled 4/06, awaiting gubernatorial approval, anticipated 

effective 1/07.)(Thomson/West 2006).

For primaries, candidate may, at least 25 days before the primary, present to the county executive 

committee of his party a list of election officers desired by him. The county committee shall present the 

list to the appointing board which shall use the list, before their own, for appointing inspectors and clerks, 

always observing the rules regarding equal representation. 

Ala. Code § 17-16-17 (Thomson/West 2006).
2

If no lists are furnished, the appointing board shall appoint an inspector and at least three clerks for each 

voting place from the qualified electors of the precinct from members of opposing political parties, if 

practicable.

Ala. Code § 17-8-5(Legislation enrolled 4/06, awaiting gubernatorial approval, anticipated effective 1/07.)(Thomson/

West 2006).

Term Requirements 

No information available.

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Entitled to $50 by the county. For statewide elections, in addition to the county’s payment of $50, each 

returning officer and clerk shall be entitled to supplemental compensation paid by the state to ensure 

that the total compensation paid shall be at least $75 per day, and each inspector shall be entitled to 

supplemental compensation paid by the state in an amount that ensures that the total compensation of 

an inspector is at least $100 per day. Upon completion of a local election school or being certified as a 

qualified poll worker by the probate judge, or both, each clerk, returning officer, and inspector shall be 

entitled to receive an additional $25 per day in compensation from the state. 

Ala. Code §§ 17-6-13(1)(a) & (b) (Act 2006-570, effective January 1, 2007, reorganizes Title 17 and may relocate Ala. 

Code § 17-6-13 to Ala. Code § 17-8-12); 17-16-10 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Not less than 5 days before election or primary, the authority charged with holding the election must hold 

training. The judge of probate shall notify such election officials of the time and place of the holding of 

such school of instruction, and shall also publish notice at least 48 hours before the same is to be held. 

No election official shall serve in any election district in which an electronic voting machine is used, unless 

he or she shall have received such instruction within 60 days prior to the election and is fully qualified 

to perform the duties in connection with the electronic voting machine, and has received a certificate 

from the authorized instructor to that effect; provided, that this shall not prevent the appointment of an 

uninstructed person as an election official to fill a vacancy among the election officials.

Ala. Code §17-8-9 (Legislation enrolled 4/06, awaiting gubernatorial approval, anticipated effective 1/07.)(Thomson/

West 2006). 

Oath required. 

Ala. Code § 17-6-10 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No officer or employee of any city or town shall act in the capacity of election officer, returning officer, 

marker or watcher, or as a deputy sheriff in conducting any town or city election. 

Ala. Code § 17-6-15 (Thomson/West 2006).

Alabama (continued)
3

Candidates Prohibited

Candidates and members of a candidate’s immediate family to the second degree of kinship by affinity 

or consanguinity and any member of a candidate’s principal campaign committee are ineligible for 

appointment.

Ala. Code § 17-8-1(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

All felons without restored rights are prohibited. 

Ala. Const. Art. VIII, § 177(b); Ala. Code § 17-3-31(Legislation enrolled 4/06, awaiting gubernatorial approval, anticipated effective 1/07.); Ala. Code § 15-22-36.1 (Thomson/West 2006). 

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if mentally incompetent, until restoration of civil and political rights or removal of disability.

Ala. Const. Art. VIII, § 177 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

A county may employ electronic voting specialists who serve as trouble shooters during the election. 

Must be trained in the operation of electronic voting equipment and these procedures. May assist in any 

precinct in the county, but do not assume the title or authority of the regular poll workers assigned to a 

precinct. 

Ala. Admin. Code r. 307-x-1-.07 (Thomson/West 2006).

Student Election Assistant Statute

No information available.

Alabama (continued)
4 Alaska

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter.

Alaska Stat. § 15.10.120(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

Alaska Stat. § 15.05.010 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State and house district for at least 30 days before the election.

Alaska Stat. § 15.05.010 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct, then district, then State. Registered to vote in the precinct to which they are appointed. If 

insufficient numbers then they can be appointed from registered voters in the election district in which the 

precinct is located and, if still not sufficient numbers, can be any qualified voter registered in Alaska. 

Alaska Stat. § 15.10.120(a) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required. On or before April 15 in each regular election year, or at least 60 days before 

a special election, a party district committee or state party central committee of each political party may 

nominate two candidates for each precinct election board. An election supervisor shall appoint one 

nominee of the political party of which the governor is a member and one nominee of the political party 

that received the second largest number of votes statewide in the preceding gubernatorial election. If 

nominations are not provided then the election supervisor may appoint any qualified individual registered 

to vote. 

Alaska Stat. § 15.10.120(b), (c) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Term Requirements 

Election officials authorized under Alaska Stat. § 15.10.120 shall be appointed by the regional election 

supervisor for a term specified in a letter of agreement.

6 Alaska Admin. Code 25.032 (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Election board workers will be paid $9.50 an hour for time spent at their election duties. 

6 Alaska Admin. Code 25.035(a) (Thomson/West 2006).
5

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

No statutory training requirement. Before entering upon the duties of office, each election official shall 

take an oath to honestly, faithfully, and promptly perform the duties of office.

Alaska Stat. § 15.15.110 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

A familial relationship may not exist between a candidate and an election official in primary, general or 

special elections. 

6 Alaska Admin Code 25.033 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited from the date of the conviction through the date of the unconditional discharge if convicted of 

a crime that constitutes a felony involving moral turpitude under State or Federal law.

Alaska Stat. §15.05.030 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

No person may vote who has been judicially determined to be of unsound mind unless the disability has 

been removed.

Alaska Const. Art. V §2 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

• Aged 16 or older and enrolled in a public or private high school or being educated at home; 

• Appointed to the youth vote ambassador program by the director of elections;

• Completed a program of training as determined by the director of elections; and 

• Compensated as provided in AS 15.15.380 only for service on the election board of the precinct.

Alaska Stat. § 15.10.108 (Thomson/West 2006).

Alaska (continued)
6 American Samoa

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter.

American Samoa Code Ann. § 6.0402 (b) (1) (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

American Samoa Code Ann. § 6.0211(http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

District.

American Samoa Code Ann. § 6.0211(http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

Must have lived in American Samoa for a total of at least two years and be a bona fide resident of the 

election district where offer to vote for at least one year next preceding the election.

American Samoa Rev. Constit. Art. II § 7 (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

A person does not gain or lose a residency solely by reason of his presence or absence while a student of 

an institution of learning.

American Samoa Code Ann. § 6.0212 (e) (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

District, but if not sufficient numbers, then outside the district.

American Samoa Code Ann. § 6.0402 (b) (1) (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation not required. Application forms shall be made available by the Chief Election Officer for those 

persons who wish to serve as district officials on election day. The Secretary of Samoan Affairs or his 

designee shall submit a list of all local government officials (i.e., fa’alupega, pulenu’u and leoleo nu’u) 

to the Chief Election Officer not later than 4:30 p.m. on the 10th day prior to the deadline for filing of 

candidate nomination petitions. The Chief Election Officer shall appoint, from the list of local government 

officials and the application forms, the district officials by representative district not later than 4:30 p.m. on 

the 10th day prior to any election.

American Samoa Code Ann. § 6.0402 (a) (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

The Chief Election Officer may designate more district officials than are needed in order to create a pool 

of qualified district officials who may be assigned to fill vacancies or to perform those duties as needed in 

any district. If more qualified persons than are needed for a district desire to serve in that district, service 

shall be determined by experience in conducting prior elections.

American Samoa Code Ann. § 6.0402 (b) (2) (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).
American Samoa (continued) 7

Term Requirements 

No information available.

Compensation and Hour Requirements

District officials shall be paid according to fixed rates established for each election by the Chief Election 

Officer.

American Samoa Code Ann. § 6.0406 (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Not later than 4:30 p.m. on the 5th day prior to any election, the Chief Election Officer shall conduct a 

school of instruction, if considered necessary, for persons designated as prospective district officials. 

American Samoa Code Ann. § 6.0403 (a) (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

All prospective district officials shall attend a school of instruction. The supervisor of the district officials 

shall be required to also attend a refresher course before each election. It shall be at the discretion of 

the Chief Election Officer to require those district officials with previous training to attend a school of 

instruction prior to each election.

American Samoa Code Ann. § 6.0403 (b) (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

No district official may serve unless he has received instruction and has been certified by the authorized 

instructor to that effect. If a certified person is not available, a person who has not received any instruction 

or certificate, but who is otherwise qualified, may fill a vacancy. Periodic recertification shall be required.

American Samoa Code Ann. § 6.0403 (c) (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

Oath required.

American Samoa Code Ann. § 6.0404 (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No public elected officials are allowed to be an election official.

Soliai T. Fuimaono, Chief Election Officer (2006).

Candidates Prohibited

“No parent, spouse, child, or sibling of a candidate is eligible to serve as a district official in any district in 

which votes may be cast for that candidate; nor is any candidate for any elective office eligible to serve as 

a district official in the same election in which he is a candidate. No candidate who failed of nomination in 

any election is eligible to serve as a district official in the election next following.”

American Samoa Code Ann. § 6.0402 (b) (3) (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

No individual who has actively campaigned for any candidate in any election may serve as a district 

official within the district, or in the territory-wide elections, in which he had actively campaigned.

American Samoa Code Ann. § 6.0402 (b) (4) (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).
8

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony unless civil rights restored or maintained good behavior for two years 

following the date of conviction or release from prison, whichever comes later.

American Samoa Rev. Constit. Art. II § 7 (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if under guardianship, non compos mentis, or insane.

American Samoa Rev. Constit. Art. II § 7 (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Should be fluent in both English and Samoan languages.

Soliai T. Fuimaono, Chief Election Officer (2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

May not engage in any campaign activities.

American Samoa Code Ann. § 6.0402 (d) (http://www.asbar.org/Newcode/asca.htm) (2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

No information available.

American Samoa (continued)
Arizona 9

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a qualified voter.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-531(A.) (Thomson/West 2006).

A qualified voter is registered.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-121(A) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-121 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

 Must reside in State for at least 29 days. 

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-101(A) (3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct, then county or other precincts. Must be qualified voter of the precinct to which appointed, 

unless there are not a sufficient number of people available. If there are no qualified precinct candidates 

for inspector, the appointment of an inspector may be made from names provided by the county party 

chairman. If there are not sufficient precinct nominees for judge, qualified persons from other precincts 

shall be appointed.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-531(A) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation required for inspectors, marshals and judges; not required for clerks and in non-partisan 

elections. At least 20 days before election Board of Supervisors appoints one inspector, one marshal, 

two judges and at least two clerks to each precinct. Appointments are made from a list of precinct voters 

submitted by party chairmen at least 90 days before election. Inspectors, marshals and judges shall 

be members of the two political parties which cast the highest number of votes in the state at the last 

preceding general election, and shall be divided equally between those parties. There shall be an equal 

number of inspectors in the various precincts in the county who are members of the two largest political 

parties. Where the inspector is a member of one party, the marshal shall be a member of the other major 

party. For clerks no party affiliation required. Any registered voter in the precinct may be appointed. 

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-531(A) (Thomson/West 2006).

For non-partisan elections appointments are made without consideration for political party. 

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-531(B) (Thomson/West 2006).
10 Arizona (continued)

Term Requirements 

Appointments appear to be for each election. 

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-531(A) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Compensation is fixed by the county board of supervisors. In no case shall an election board member be 

paid less than 30 dollars per day. 

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-536 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Inspectors and judges are required to attend an instructional class in order to receive a certificate of 

qualification. 

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-532(A) (Thomson/West 2006).

Premium Board Worker Certification available with 8 hours of instruction and exam. Premium Certification 

lasts for 30 months. 

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-532(D) (Thomson/West 2006).

Additional training may be required by county. 

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-532(E) (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-534(C) (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No United States, State, county or precinct officer, other than a precinct committeeman, is qualified to act 

as judge, inspector, marshal, or clerk. 

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-531(D) (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidate for office at the election, other than a candidate for the office of precinct committeeman, is 

qualified to act as judge, inspector, marshal, or clerk. 

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-531(D) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of treason or a felony, unless restored to civil rights. 

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-101(A) (5) (Thomson/West 2006).
Arizona (continued) 11

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudicated an “incapacitated person.” 

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-101(A) (6) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be able to write name or make mark, unless prevented from so doing by physical disability. 

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-101(A) (4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

The board of supervisors may appoint to an election board to serve as a clerk of election a person who is 

not eligible to vote if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The person is a minor who will be at least 16 years of age at the time of the election for which the person is named to the election board;

2. The person is a citizen of the United States at the time of the election for which the person is named to 

the election board;

3. The person is supervised by an adult who has been trained as an elections officer;

4. The person has received training provided by the officer in charge of elections; and

5. The parent or guardian of the person has provided written permission for the person to serve.

A school district or charter school shall not count any pupil’s absence from one or more instructional 

programs as a result of the pupil’s service on an election board against any mandatory attendance 

requirements for the pupil.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 16-531(G) & (I) (Thomson/West 2006).
12 Arkansas

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a qualified elector.

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-4-109(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

A qualified elector is registered to vote. 

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-1-101(21) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement to Register

Be age 18 years of age or turn 18 years of age before the next election.

Ark. Const. Amend 51 § 6 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Resident of the county at least 31 days prior to the election. 

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-5-201(a) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct then county. All election officials shall be residents of the precincts in which they serve at the time 

of their appointment. However, if at the time of posting election officials, the county board by unanimous 

vote shall find that it is impossible to obtain qualified election officials from any precinct or precincts and 

shall make certification of that finding to the county clerk, then other qualified citizens of the county may 

be designated to serve in the precinct or precincts.

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-4-109(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker

Affiliation generally required. The county board of election commissioners shall appoint a sufficient 

number of election officials for each polling site not fewer than 20 days preceding an election. Each polling 

site shall have a minimum of two election clerks, one election judge, and one election sheriff. The minority 

party election commissioner shall have the option to designate a number of election officials equal to one 

less than the majority of election officials at each polling site, with a minimum of two election officials at 

each polling site. In the event that the county party representatives on the county board fail to agree upon 

any election official to fill any election post allotted to the respective party 20 days before the election, the 

county board shall appoint the remaining election officials.

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-4-107(b) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements

No information available.
Arkansas (continued) 13

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Election officials may be permitted to work half-day or split shifts at the polls at any election so long as 

the requisite number of election officials is always present. 

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-4-107(d) (Thomson/West 2006). 

The election officials shall receive a minimum of the prevailing federal minimum wage for holding an 

election, or such greater amount as may be appropriated. 

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-4-112 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

At least one election official at each polling site shall have attended election training coordinated by the 

State Board of Election Commissioners within 12 months prior to the election. 

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-4-107(b)(1)(B) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Prior to the regularly scheduled preferential primary election, at least two election officials per polling 

site designated by the county board for each county shall attend election training coordinated by the 

state board. The state board shall determine the method and amount of compensation for attending the 

training. 

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-4-109(e) (1) & (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Rules for Election Official Training at:

http://www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections/elections_pdfs/register/nov-03/108.00.03-002.pdf (2006).

Arkansas Election Official Training Manual and other materials at:

http://www.arkansas.gov/sbec/training.html (2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No person who is a paid employee of any political party shall be an election official. 

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-4-109(c) (Thomson/West 2006). 

No officer holder, appointee or employee of any government entity except justice of peace, alderman, 

notary public and members of military. 

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-4-109(c); Ark. Const. Art. 3 §10 (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates and no candidates’ relatives within the second degree of consanguinity if objection to 

service is made within 10 days of posting name. 

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-4-109(a) (2) & (d) (Thomson/West 2006).

No person who is a paid employee of any person running for any office.

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-4-109(c) (Thomson/West 2006). 
14

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

An election official shall not have been found guilty or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to the violation of 

any election law of this state. 

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-4-109(a) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited if a convicted felon not discharged from probation or parole or has been pardoned. To have 

rights restored must have proof of discharge from probation or parole, have paid all probation or parole 

fees, or satisfied all terms of imprisonment, and paid all applicable court costs, fines, or restitution. 

Ark. Const. Amend 51 § 11 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudged mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction. 

Ark. Const. Amend. 51 § 11(Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be able to read and write the English language. 

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-4-109(a) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

High School Student 

• If not yet 18 years of age, shall be called an election page (volunteer position without compensation). 

• A student who is 18 years of age by the election day and meets the qualifications in § 7-4-109 may be 

an election official and may be compensated pursuant to § 7-4-112.

• Oath as required by § 7-4-110A. 

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-4-116 (Thomson/West 2006). 

College Student 

• Selected by the county board from any two-year or four-year college or university in the state. The 

county board shall work in cooperation with the student government associations of the colleges and 

universities in selecting the students for the program.

• A college student selected for this program who is not 18 years of age by election day shall be called an 

election page.

• An election page shall be in a volunteer position and shall not receive any compensation for performing 

his or her duties. 

• Before beginning any duties, an election page shall take an oath before an election official.

Arkansas (continued)
15

• A college student selected for this program who is 18 years of age by election day and meets the qualifications in § 7-4-109 shall be an election official.

• Each student selected to be an election official shall take the oath of the election officials in § 7-4-110. 

A college student selected to be an election official shall be compensated according to § 7-4-112.

Ark. Code Ann. § 7-4-117 (Thomson/West 2006).

Arkansas (continued)
16 California

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter.

Cal. Elec. Code §12302(a) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

Cal. Elec. Code § 2000(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Precinct on permanent basis with intention of making it home. A student may qualify as an elector if they 

have abandoned previous domicile. 

Cal. Elec. Code § 2021(b); Cal. Elec. Code § 2025 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

State. A member of precinct board shall be a voter of the State. The member may serve only in precinct to 

which appointed. 

Cal. Elec. Code §12302(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

No affiliation required. Any voter may file application with elections official to be Precinct Board member. 

Cal. Elec. Code § 12300 (Thomson/West 2006).

Party affiliation does not appear to be required. 

Cal. Elec. Code § 12108 (Thomson/West 2006).

Ninety days before election, political party county committee may nominate a registered resident of 

precinct to board. County officials give preference to nominees of parties with at least 10 percent of 

registered voters in precinct. 

Cal. Elec. Code § 12306 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

No information available.

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Stipend and hours fixed by county. 

Cal. Elec. Code §12310 (Thomson/West 2006).
California (continued) 17

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Currently varies by county. Certain minimum training required for inspectors. 

Cal. Elec. Code § 12309 (Thomson/West 2006).

Legislation enacting uniform California training standards is pending.

Cal. Elec. Code § 12309.5 (Thomson/West 2006).

Binding declaration, to fully discharge duties, required. 

Cal. Elec. Code § 12321 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

No information available.

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if in prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony.

Cal. Elec. Code § 2101; Cal. Const. Art. II, § 4 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if deemed mentally incompetent. 

Cal. Elec. Code §2208; Cal. Const. Art. II, § 4 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must read and write the English language. 

Cal. Elec. Code § 12303(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

Translators. Translators hired where either foreign language speakers are 3 percent or more of population 

or elections officials determine need. 

Cal. Elec. Code § 12303(b) (c) (Thomson/West 2006).
18 California (continued)

Student Election Assistant Statute

• At least 16 years of age at the time of the election; 

• A high school senior with a grade point average of at least 2.5;

• A student in good standing, attending a public or private secondary educational institution;

• County sets pay, generally between $40 and $80. 

Cal. Elec. Code §12302 (Thomson/West 2006).
Colorado 19

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered elector.

Colo. Rev. Stat. §1-6-101(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

Colo. Rev. Stat. §1-2-101(1) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State and precinct 30 days immediately prior to the date in which the person wants to vote. 

Colo. Rev. Stat. §1-2-101(1) (b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Political subdivisions (counties) may provide additional or alternative qualifications for a person to become 

an eligible elector of a political subdivision. 

Colo. Rev. Stat. §1-2-104, Colo. Rev. Stat. §1-1-104(1.5) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County then State. Must be political subdivision (county) resident. If enough registered electors of the 

political subdivision (county) are not available, then the appointing authority may appoint election judges 

who are registered electors of the State. 

Colo. Rev. Stat. §1-6-101(3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required. For partisan elections in precincts that have an even number of election 

judges, each major political party is entitled to one-half of the election judges. For partisan elections in 

precincts that have an odd number of election judges, the major political parties divide the appointments 

of the extra election judges.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 1-6-109(1) & (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

No later than 10 days after the precinct caucus in even-numbered years, the committeepersons of each 

precinct from each major political party shall submit to the county chairpersons of their respective political 

parties a list that was initiated at the precinct caucus and that recommends electors as election judges.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 1-6-102(1) (Thomson/West 2006). 

No later than the last Tuesday of April in even-numbered year, minor political parties may certify to the 

county clerk and recorder names of registered electors recommended to serve as election judges. 

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 1-6-103.5 (Thomson/West 2006).

No later than the last Tuesday of April in even-numbered years, any registered elector who is unaffiliated 

with a political party or political organization may give notice in writing to the clerk and recorder of the 

county in which such elector resides offering to serve as an election judge. 

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 1-6-103.7 (Thomson/West 2006).
20 Colorado (continued)

If there are insufficient numbers on major party lists, then county clerk may appoint from lists submitted by 

minor political parties and unaffiliated voters.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 1-6-104(3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

An election judge for a precinct shall serve for a two-year period beginning on the last Tuesday of May 

in even-numbered years and ending on the last Monday in May of the next even-numbered year or until 

replaced.

Colo. Rev. Stat. §1-6-104(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Stipend varies by county, but is not less than $5. A student election judge may receive the same 

compensation received by an election judge, but, in any case, not less than 75 percent of the 

compensation received by an election judge.

Colo. Rev. Stat. §1-6-115 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Attend a mandatory election judge class prior to each election at which they work. 

Colo. Rev. Stat. §1-6-101(2) (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

County may require more training than State. 

Colo. Rev. Stat. §1-6-101(6) (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

Colo. Rev. Stat. §1-6-114 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

Candidate whose name appears on the ballot in the precinct that he is appointed to serve is prohibited. 

Candidate’s immediate family members, related by blood or marriage to the second degree, are also 

prohibited. 

Colo. Rev. Stat. §1-6-101(2) (e) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if ever been convicted of election fraud, any other election offense, or fraud. 

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 1-6-101(2) (d) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Prohibited while serving a sentence of detention or confinement in a correctional facility, jail, or other 

location for a felony conviction or while serving a sentence of parole. 

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 1-2-103(4) (Thomson/West 2006).
Colorado (continued) 21

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if physically and mentally unable to perform and complete assigned tasks. 

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 1-6-101(c) (Thomson/West 2006).

However, no person confined in a state institution for the mentally ill shall lose the right to vote because of 

the confinement. 

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 1-2-103(5) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be physically and mentally able to perform and complete assigned tasks.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 1-6-101(c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

Translators. If the county clerk and recorder find that a precinct is composed of three percent or more 

non-English-speaking eligible electors, the county clerk and recorder shall take affirmative action to recruit 

full-time or part-time staff members who are fluent in the language used by the eligible electors and in the 

English language. 

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 1-2-202(4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Student Election Assistant Statute

• US citizen at time of election; 

• Physically and mentally able to perform assigned tasks; 

• Attend a class of instruction prior to each election; 

• Never been convicted of election fraud, any other election offense, or fraud; 

• Not a member of the immediate family of a candidate whose name appears on the ballot in the precinct 

that he is appointed to serve; 

• 16 years of age or older;

• In good standing attending a public, private secondary school, or home schooled; and

• Parent or legal guardian has consented to their service as a student election judge.

Colo. Rev. Stat. 1-6-101(7) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensated either at the same rate, or not less than 75 percent of the rate, of an adult election judge.

Colo. Rev. Stat. §1-6-115 (Thomson/West 2006).
22 Connecticut

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Moderators or checkers must be electors of the town. 

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-258; Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-436(d) (Thomson/West 2006).

Voting machine tenders and unofficial checkers must be registered electors.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-233; Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-235; Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-12(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Voting machine mechanics do not have to be electors.

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-258 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-12(a) (Thomson/West 2006). 

16 or 17 years of age if meets qualification of Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-235d (a).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Bona fide resident of the town to which the citizen applies. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-12(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Generally town or district.

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-229(a); Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-233; Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-234; Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-235; Conn. Gen 

Stat. § 9-258 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Voting machine mechanics do not have residency requirements. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-258 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required. Election officials shall be appointed at least 20 days before the election 

except as provided in § 9-229.

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-249(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

The election officials of each polling place, except voting machine mechanics, shall be electors of the 

town and shall consist of one moderator, two checkers, two registrars of voters or two assistant registrars 

of voters, as the case may be, of opposite political parties.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-258 (Thomson/West 2006).

The registrars of voters in towns/districts appoint moderators and designate alternate moderators as a 

reserve group. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-229(a) (Thomson/West 2006). 
Connecticut (continued) 23

Registrars also appoint least one, and not more than two, electors of such town as voting machine 

tenders, unless the municipality has established two shifts for election officials, in which case the 

registrars shall appoint one or two electors for each shift. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-233 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Registrars shall appoint some suitable person to be a checker of the voting list in each district, unless the 

municipality has established two shifts. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-234 (Thomson/West 2006). (Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-258 requires two checkers).

For primaries, registrars shall appoint from among the enrolled party members in the municipality or 

political subdivision holding the primary, as the case may be. If numbers are insufficient may appoint from 

larger geographic area or from outside the party.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-436(d) (Thomson/West 2006).

At any election or primary, any person may serve as a runner solely to enter and leave a polling place and 

the restricted area surrounding the polling place for the purpose of taking outside the polling place and 

said area, information identifying electors who have cast ballots at such election or primary. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-235b (Thomson/West 2006). 

The role of unofficial checker (“party” checker) is present to allow political parties to keep track of the 

number of persons voting during an election. Appointments are from the town party chairman’s list which 

must be provided 48 hours in advance.

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-235 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Term Requirements

Moderators are certified for four year terms but must be appointed prior to each election.

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-229(c) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Voting machine tenders, checkers, and unofficial checkers are appointed prior to each election. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-233; Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-234; Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-235(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Part-time available for voting machine tenders, checkers, and unofficial checkers.

Each municipality, by a majority vote of its legislative body, may establish, except for unofficial checkers 

and the moderator, two shifts of election officials for each polling place. However, all members of both 

shifts who are required to sign returns, including checkers and assistant registrars, if any, of both shifts, 

shall be present at the closing of the polls and shall remain until all returns have been executed.

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-258(a) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Registrar decides if unofficial checkers can work in shifts. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-235(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Election official compensation is set by municipality or subdivision.

Conn. Gen Stat § 7-460 (Thomson/West 2006).
24 Connecticut (continued)

An unofficial checker appointed pursuant to this section may receive compensation from the municipality 

in which the election is held. 

Conn. Gen Stat § 9-235(d) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Instruction is given to moderators in accordance with a curriculum devised by the Secretary of State. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-229(b) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Secretary of State issues a four year certification to each candidate for moderator who successfully 

completes an instructional session and an examination administered by the secretary. Certification is 

required to serve as a moderator. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-229(c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Registrars, certified moderator and certified mechanic shall instruct each election official who is to serve 

in a voting district in which a voting machine is to be used in the use of the machine and his duties in 

connection therewith.

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-249(a) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Election officials shall attend the elections training program developed under subdivision (1) of subsection 

(c) of § 9-192a and any other meeting or meetings as are called for the purpose of receiving such 

instructions concerning their duties as are necessary for the proper conduct of the election.

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-249(b) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Each election official who qualifies for and serves in the election shall be paid not less than one dollar for 

the time spent in receiving such instruction, in the same manner and at the same time as the official is 

paid for the official’s services on election day.

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-249(c) (Thomson/West 2006).

No election official shall serve in any election unless the official has received such instruction and is fully 

qualified to perform the official’s duties in connection with the election, but this shall not prevent the 

appointment of an election official to fill a vacancy in an emergency.

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-249(d) (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-231 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

A known candidate for any office shall not serve as an election official on election day or serve at the polls 

in any capacity, except that a municipal clerk or a registrar of voters, who is a candidate for the same 

office, may perform his official duties.

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-258 (Thomson/West 2006).
25

No candidate or member of the immediate family of a candidate shall transport, prepare, repair or 

maintain a voting machine. No provision of this section shall prohibit (1) a member of the immediate family 

of a candidate from serving as a moderator or (2) a candidate for the office of registrar of voters or a 

member of the immediate family of such a candidate from serving as a voting machine mechanic. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-247a (Thomson/West 2006).

No candidate for an office in an election may be an unofficial checker. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-235(d) (Thomson/West 2006). 

No candidate may perform the functions of a runner. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-235b (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited until rights are restored. Prohibited, if convicted of a felony and committed to confinement in a 

federal or other state correctional institution or facility or community residence, until submission of written 

or other satisfactory proof to the admitting official, that all fines in conjunction with the conviction have 

been paid and that such person has been discharged from confinement, and, if applicable, parole.

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-46; Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-46(a) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Note: Because voting machine mechanics do not have to be electors, this prohibition applies to all 

election officials other than voting machine mechanics. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-258 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if mentally incompetent. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-12(a) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Note: Because voting machine mechanics do not have to be electors, this prohibition applies to all 

election officials other than voting machine mechanics. 

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-258 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Connecticut (continued)
26

Student Election Assistant Statute

May be appointed as a checker, translator or voting machine tender in an election if:

• 16 or 17 years of age;

• A bona fide resident of a town;

• Attend poll worker training; and

• Receive the written permission of a parent, guardian or the principal of the school that the citizen attends if the citizen is a secondary school student and the citizen is to be appointed to work on a day 

when such school is in session.

Conn. Gen Stat. § 9-235d (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Connecticut (continued)
Delaware 27

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter.

15 Del. Code Ann. §4701(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

15 Del. Code Ann. §1701. 

College student exception- If under 18 years of age must provide authorization signed by faculty member 

or school dean. 

15 Del. Code Ann. §4701(a) (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

For purpose of election officer position must be a citizen and bona fide resident of the State. 

15 Del. Code Ann. §1701 (Thomson/West 2006). 

A bona fide State resident is one “who shall have been a resident thereof one year next preceding an 

election, and for the last three months a resident of the county, and for the last thirty days a resident of the 

election district.” 

Del. Const., Art. 5, §2 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

District then county. Election district residency required unless insufficient numbers require appointments 

of county residents. 

15 Del. Code Ann. §4701(a).

College student exception. Delaware residents who are registered voters and who are enrolled as at least 

half-time students in colleges or universities within the respective county may be appointed as election 

officers for that county.

15 Del. Code Ann. §4701(a) (2) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required. The county executive committee of each of the two principal political 

parties shall submit no later than February 1st of each general election year a list containing the names 

of eight registered voters for each election district in the county. Election officers will be appointed from 

lists unless the names submitted are not sufficient, in which case the department of elections will make 

appointments first from election district and secondarily from representative district (county). No more 

than bare majority of election officers may be from same political party. 

15 Del. Code Ann. §4701(a) (Thomson/West 2006).
28 Delaware (continued)

Term Requirements 

During the month of April in each general election year each department shall appoint election officers and 

their term shall last from the day of their appointment to April 1st of the next general election year. 

15 Del. Code Ann. §4701(b) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

The compensation for election officers is set at the rates in effect as of January 1, 2005. These rates may 

be adjusted periodically as authorized in the State’s Budget Act. Election officers shall be paid $15 for 

each day’s service in performing any duty required on a day other than a day of an election except as 

otherwise provided in this title. Election officers required to attend an additional training session other than 

that required in § 4741 shall be paid $25 for that training.

15 Del. Code Ann. §4707 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

The departments of elections shall train the appointed election officers on their duties. This training shall 

include instruction on applicable election law, the proper conduct of the election and operation of the 

voting machines.

15 Del. Code Ann. §4741 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Oath required. 

15 Del. Code Ann. §4904 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

No information available.

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony.

15 Del. Code Ann. §1701 (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited for 10 years following conviction and sentence if convicted of election offense pursuant to 

Delaware Constitution Article V, § 7. 

15 Del. Code Ann. §1701 (Thomson/West 2006).

Felons other than those who have been convicted of murder, manslaughter, certain sexual crimes, or 

offenses against offices of public administration such as bribery, can either seek a pardon or wait five 

years from the completion of their sentence for their rights to be restored.

Del. Const., Art. 5, §2, ch. 2 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Note: There appears to be a conflict between the Delaware Constitution and the statute regarding whether 

felons may ever qualify to register to vote.
Delaware (continued) 29

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudged mentally incompetent. The term “adjudged mentally incompetent” refers to a 

specific finding in a judicial guardianship or equivalent proceeding, based on clear and convincing 

evidence that the individual has a severe cognitive impairment which precludes exercise of basic voting 

judgment.

15 Del. Code Ann. §1701 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be able to read Delaware’s Constitution in the English language and write his or her name; but these 

requirements shall not apply to any person who by reason of physical disability shall be unable to comply 

therewith. 

Del. Const., Art. 5, §2, Cl. 1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

County executive committee of each of the two principal political parties may nominate or the county 

departments of elections may recruit students if:

• Delaware citizen;

• Full-time student;

• At least 16 years of age on or before November 1st in the year of a general election; and

• Has an authorization signed by the person’s parent or guardian as well as the principal of the school the 

student attends. 

15 Del. Code Ann. §4701(a) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

College Students Registered Out of County

Counties may appoint Delaware residents who are registered voters, and who are enrolled as at least halftime students in colleges or universities within the respective county, as election officers for that county. 

If student is under 18 years of age on or before the day of the general election, student shall present an 

authorization signed by a faculty member or dean of the school they attend, on the form promulgated by 

the commissioner of elections, to the respective county departments of elections prior to being appointed.

15 Del. Code Ann. §4701(a) (2) (Thomson/West 2006).
30 District of Columbia1

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a qualified registered elector.

D.C. Code Ann. §1-1001.05(e) (4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

D.C. Code Ann. §1-1001.02 (2) (b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

District resident or domiciliary for 30 days preceding election. 

D.C. Code Ann. §1-1001.02 (2) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

District.

D.C. Code Ann. §1-1001.05(e)(4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

No affiliation required. 

Term Requirements 

No information available.

Compensation and Hour Requirements

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. On election day, 

approximately 6:15 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. or until released by precinct captain. Time is also required for 

mandatory training. 

Stipends: captain $150 per election, captain trainee $125 per election, and polling place workers $100 per 

election.

http://www.dcboee.org/serv/elec_day/payment.shtm (2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Orientation program where applicant is provided general information on the District’s voting system. A quiz 

is given to test applicant’s interest in the work and retention abilities. Applicants passing the quiz will be 

1

 Many Board of Elections & Ethics rules on poll workers are not formally codified, but are posted on web site. http://www.dcboee.org/

serv/elec_day_work_index.shtm (2006).
District of Columbia (continued) 31

invited to complete a formal application. Persons successfully completing the orientation program will attend 

a mandatory training session on the duties and responsibilities of each member of the polling place team.

http://www.dcboee.org/serv/elec_day/Recruitment.shtm#orientation (2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

No information available.

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Incarcerated felons prohibited.

D.C. Code Ann. §1-1001.02 (7) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudged mentally incompetent.

D.C. Code Ann. §1-1001.02 (2) (C) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

Precinct Technician College Pollworker Program. Program for college students who are not “qualified 

registered electors.” Part day possible. Training required. 

D.C. Code Ann. §1-1001.05(e) (4) (Thomson/West 2006); Information received by DCBOEE.

Student Election Assistant Statute

• At least 16 years of age; 

• Resident of the District of Columbia; and

• Enrolled in or have graduated from a public or private secondary school or an institution of higher 

education.

D.C. Code Ann. §1-1001.05(e) (4)

May choose between receiving stipend and community service hours and part day is possible.

http://www.dcboee.org/serv/Download_index.shtm (2006).
32 Florida

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered, qualified elector.

Fla. Stat. §102.012(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age or 17 years of age and pre-registered. 

Fla. Stat. §97.041(1) (b); Fla. Stat. §102.012(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State and county residency.

Fla. Stat. §97.041 (1) (a) 3 & 4 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County.

Fla. Stat. §102.012(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

No affiliation required. At least 20 days before election the county supervisor of elections appoints election 

board, comprised of clerks and inspectors, for each precinct. 

Fla. Stat. §102.012(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

No election board can consist solely of members of one party, unless it’s a primary where only one party 

has candidates on ballot, and then all workers may be members of that party. 

Fla. Stat. §102.012(2) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Term Requirements 

No information available.

Compensation and Hour Requirements

6:00 a.m. until at least 7:00 p.m. or until all voters in line at official poll closing have had an opportunity to 

vote and duties have been discharged. 

Fla. Stat. §100.011(1); Fla. Stat. §102.012(4) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Compensation for precinct service required and determined by county supervisors. 

Fla. Stat. §102.021(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation for training available.

Fla. Stat. §112.061 (Thomson/West 2006).
Florida (continued) 33

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

County supervisor of elections must provide training pursuant to uniform statewide training curriculum. 

Minimum three hours for clerks and two hours for inspectors. Clerks must demonstrate working 

knowledge of laws and procedures relating to voter registration, system operation, balloting and polling 

procedures, and conflict and problem resolution skills. 

Fla. Stat. §102.014(1), (4) (a) & (b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

Fla. Stat. §102.012(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

Opposed candidates prohibited. 

Fla. Stat. §102.012(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if has been convicted of any felony by any court of record and not had right to vote restored 

pursuant to law.

Fla. Stat. §97.041 (2) (b); Fla. Const. Art. VI, § 4 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in any state, and right to vote has 

not been restored pursuant to law.

Fla. Stat. §97.041 (2) (a); Fla. Const. Art. VI, § 4 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must read and write the English language.

Fla. Stat. §102.012(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

No information available.
34 Georgia

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Voter registration not required.

Ga. Code Ann. §21-2-92 (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

16 years of age. 

Ga. Code Ann. §21-2-92 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Not relevant.

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County or municipality. In the case of municipal elections, must be resident of the municipality in which the 

election is to be held or of the county in which that municipality is located. 

Ga. Code Ann. §21-2-92(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

However, where municipal election is held in conjunction with a regular county, State, or Federal election, 

poll officers assigned by the county election superintendent shall also be authorized to serve as poll 

officers to conduct such municipal election or primary and shall not be required to be residents of said 

municipality. 

Ga. Code Ann. §21-2-92(b) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation not required. The political parties involved can submit a list of qualified persons for consideration 

in making appointments for precinct managers. When such lists are submitted to the appropriate office, 

the superintendent or municipal governing authority, insofar as practicable, will make appointments so 

that there is equal representation on the boards for the political parties involved. 

Ga. Code Ann. §21-2-90 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

No term requirements. 

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Compensation is fixed and paid by the county or, in the case of municipal elections, by the governing 

authority. In some counties with a population of 200,000 or more according to most current census, the 

minimum compensation for the chief manager is $95 per day; the minimum pay for assistant managers is 

$66 per day; minimum pay for clerks is $60 per day. 

Ga. Code Ann. §21-2-98 (Thomson/West 2006).
Georgia (continued) 35

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Training and certificate required to work at polls. County election superintendent must provide adequate 

training to all poll officers and poll workers prior to each general primary and general election and 

each special primary and special election. Each poll officer must receive a certificate from the election 

superintendent. However, such training is not required for a special election that is held between the date 

of the general primary and general election. 

Ga. Code Ann. §21-2-99(a) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No person who is holding public office, other than a political party office, is eligible to serve as a poll 

officer. 

Ga. Code Ann. §21-2-92 (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates and close relatives (parent, spouse, child, brother, sister, father-in-law, mother-in-law, sonin-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law) are eligible to serve as a poll officer in any precinct 

in which such candidate’s name appears on the ballot in any primary or election. 

Ga. Code Ann. §21-2-92 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if, under the laws of any state or the United States, individual is convicted and sentenced, 

in any court of competent jurisdiction, for fraudulent violation of primary or election laws, malfeasance 

in office, or felony involving moral turpitude, unless civil rights have been restored and at least 10 years 

have elapsed from the date of the completion of the sentence without a subsequent conviction of another 

felony involving moral turpitude. Additionally, the person shall not be holding illegally any public funds.

Ga. Code Ann. §21-2-8 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if not a judicious, intelligent, and upright citizen. 

Ga. Code Ann. §21-2-92(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

All poll officers must be able to read, write, and speak the English language. 

Ga. Code Ann. § 21-2-92(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

Shall be judicious, intelligent, and upright citizens. 

Ga. Code Ann. §21-2-92(a) (Thomson/West 2006).
36 Georgia (continued)

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

None.

Student Election Assistant Statute

Anyone over the age of 16 can serve if meets all other qualifications.

Ga. Code Ann. §21-2-92(a) (Thomson/West 2006).
Guam 37

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter. 

3 Guam Code Ann. § 4105 (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

3 Guam Code Ann. § 3101 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Resident of Guam for general elections and resident of municipality for municipal elections. 

3 Guam Code Ann. § 3101 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

District.

3 Guam Code Ann. § 4105(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation not required. Not less than 60 days prior to any election the election commission appoints the 

members of the several precinct boards.

3 Guam Code Ann. § 4103 (Thomson/West 2006).

No affiliation required in statute. 

3 Guam Code Ann. § 4105(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

No information available.

Compensation and Hour Requirements

$170 for services rendered for each election. 

3 Guam Code Ann. § 4104 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

The election commission, pursuant to the Administrative Adjudication Act, shall set forth a training 

program for precinct board members which shall include passage of a standardized examination of the 

precinct board members’ knowledge of the election laws necessary to perform their duties. 

3 Guam Code Ann. § 4105 (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

3 Guam Code Ann. § 4106 (Thomson/West 2006).
38 Guam (continued)

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No person holding an elective office is eligible to serve as a poll officer. 

3 Guam Code Ann. § 4104 (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No person who is a candidate or nominee for elective office is eligible to serve as a poll officer. 

3 Guam Code Ann. § 4104 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if committed under a sentence of imprisonment. 

3 Guam Code Ann. § 3101 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if confined to a mental institution or judicially declared insane. 

3 Guam Code Ann. § 3101 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must read or write the English language. 

3 Guam Code Ann. § 4105 (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

Election commission shall remove any such officials who shall be found guilty of nonfeasance or 

misfeasance in connection with the performance of their duties relative to the conduct of elections. 

3 Guam Code Ann. § 2103(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

The election commission may appoint to the position of clerk, not more than two students per precinct 

possessing the following qualifications:

• 16 years old at the time of the election;

• U.S. citizen;

• Is a student in good standing attending a public or private secondary educational institution; and

• Is a senior and has a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

3 Guam Code Ann. § 4105(b) (Thomson/West 2006).
Hawaii 39

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Qualified, non-registered individuals may serve where there are no registered voters available.

Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 11-72(b) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: Non-registered voters have never actually been used. To work at the polls, a non-registered voter 

would still have to be eligible to register, which includes being a U.S. citizen, a resident of Hawaii, and at 

least 18 years old.

Rhowell Ruiz, Voter Services Specialist, Office of Elections, Hawaii (2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 11-11 (Thomson/West 2006). 

16 years of age under certain circumstances. An individual who is otherwise qualified to register and is 

at least 16 years of age is allowed to pre-register upon satisfactory proof of age and be automatically 

registered upon reaching 18 years of age. 

Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 11-12(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

County and precinct residence. The residence of a person is that place in which the person’s habitation is 

fixed, and to which, whenever the person is absent, the person has the intention to return. 

Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 11-13(1) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct, then district, then non-registered. Precinct residents, but if qualified persons in the precinct are 

not available to serve, appointments may be made from the representative district. If there are still not 

enough officials, otherwise qualified individuals, even if they are not registered voters, may serve if they 

have reached the age of 16 by June 30 of the election year. 

Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 11-72(b) (1) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required. So far as reasonably practicable, excepting the chairperson of the precinct 

officials, not more than 50 percent of the precinct officials in a precinct can be of the same political party. 

Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 11-71 (Thomson/West 2006). 

All qualified political parties must submit names for precinct officials to the chief election officer no later 

than 4:30 p.m. on the 60th day prior to the close of filing for any primary, special primary or special 

election. If any party fails to submit the required names by the above deadline, or names sufficient to fill 

the positions to which it would be entitled, assignment of positions to which the party would otherwise be 

entitled may be made without regard to party affiliation. 

Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 11-72(a) (Thomson/West 2006).
40 Hawaii (continued)

Term Requirements 

No information available.

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Precinct officials working in electronic ballot and voting machine elections are compensated pursuant to a 

schedule established by the chief election officer. 

Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 11-76(a) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Precinct officials working in elections with paper ballots receive the same base amounts as they would 

in an electronic ballot election as well as $5 for each three hundred ballots or portion thereof cast at that 

precinct. 

Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 11-76(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

New poll workers are required to attend training prior to each election and to pass a certification exam; 

it is at the discretion of the chief election officer or the county clerk to require those poll workers with 

previous elections experience and training to attend additional training. When a qualified certified person 

is not available, a person who has not received such instruction or such certificate but who is otherwise 

qualified to fill a vacancy among precinct officials, may be assigned. Periodic recertification shall be 

required.

Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 11-73 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

No candidate for elective office may serve as a precinct official in the same election in which the person is 

a candidate. No candidate who failed to be nominated in the primary or special primary election may serve 

as a precinct official in the following general election. No parent, spouse, reciprocal beneficiary, child, 

or sibling of a candidate may serve as a precinct official in any precinct where votes may be cast for the 

candidate. 

Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 11-72(b) (3) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if sentenced for a felony, from the time of the person’s sentence until the person’s final 

discharge, but if execution of sentence is suspended with or without the defendant being placed on 

probation or the defendant is paroled after commitment to imprisonment, the defendant may vote during 

the period of the suspension or parole.

Haw. Const. Art II § 2; Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 831-2(a) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).
41

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if non compos mentis.

Haw. Const. Art II § 2 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Precinct officials shall be able to read and write the English language.

Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 11-72(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

If qualified persons either in or without the precinct or representative district are not available to serve, 

the chief election officer may designate precinct officials who are not registered voters if the persons so 

designated are otherwise qualified and shall have attained the age of 16 years on or before June 30, of the 

year of the election in which they are appointed to work. 

Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. §11-72(b) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Hawaii (continued)
42 Idaho

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

No registration required.

Tim Hurst, Chief Deputy of Secretary of State’s office (2006).

Age Requirement

No statutory age requirement, but “Qualified” in Idaho Code § 34-303 means capable of performing the 

functions of a poll worker and is left to the discretion of the county clerk.

Tim Hurst, Chief Deputy of Secretary of State’s office (2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Not applicable.

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct or county. “The precinct committeemen shall recommend persons for the position in their 

respective precincts to the county clerk...” 

Idaho Code § 34-303 (Thomson/West 2006).

There is no statutory requirement that poll workers work in their own precinct, however, that has been the 

practice. 

Tim Hurst, Chief Deputy of Secretary of State’s office (2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation preferred. The precinct committeemen shall recommend persons for the position in their 

respective precincts to the county clerk in writing at least 10 days prior to the date on which any 

appointment shall be made and the county clerk shall appoint the judges from such lists if the persons 

recommended are qualified.

Idaho Code § 34-303 (Thomson/West 2006).

Each election board must “contain personnel representing all existing political parties if a list of applicants 

has been provided to the county clerk by the precinct committeemen of the precincts” at least 60 days 

prior to a primary election.

Idaho Code § 34-303 (Thomson/West 2006).

Since Idaho is an open primary State, poll workers are appointed from the list of people provided by 

the precinct committeemen and it is assumed that they are from the respective parties. If names are 

not submitted, the county clerk can select whomever he/she chooses to serve without regard to party 

affiliation. 

Tim Hurst, Chief Deputy of Secretary of State’s office (2006).
Idaho (continued) 43

Term Requirements 

No information available.

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Compensation is determined by the board of county commissioners but is not less than the minimum 

wage as prescribed by the laws of the state. 

Idaho Code § 34-303 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Elections in which voting machines are used.

(1) Before each election at which voting machines or vote tally systems are to be used, the county clerk 

of a county, or the clerk of a city, district or other political subdivision, in which voting machines or 

vote tally systems are to be used, shall cause them to be properly prepared and shall cause the election board to be properly instructed in their use.

(2) For the purpose of giving such instruction, the county clerk shall call the meeting or meetings of the 

election board that are necessary. Each election board shall attend the meetings and receive the 

instruction necessary for the proper conduct of the election with the machine or vote tally system.

(3) No election board judge or clerk shall serve in any election at which a voting machine or vote tally 

system is used unless he has received the required instruction and is fully qualified to perform the 

duties in connection with the machine or vote tally system; but this requirement shall not prevent the 

appointment of an election board clerk to fill a vacancy in an emergency.

Idaho Code § 34-2413 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elections in which no voting machines are used (1/3 of Idaho’s counties do not use voting machines or 

vote tally equipment). The Secretary of State conducts workshops with the county clerks and the clerks 

then train poll workers on their responsibilities. There are no minimum requirements on the curriculum. 

Tim Hurst, Chief Deputy of Secretary of State’s office (2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

No information available.

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

No statutory prohibition against felons serving, but “qualified” in Idaho Code § 34-303 means capable of 

performing the functions of a poll worker and is left to the discretion of the county clerk.

Tim Hurst, Chief Deputy of Secretary of State’s office (2006).
44

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

No statutory prohibition against mentally incapacitated serving, but “qualified” in Idaho Code § 34-303

means capable of performing the functions of a poll worker and is left to the discretion of the county clerk.

Tim Hurst, Chief Deputy of Secretary of State’s office (2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

A county clerk may appoint not more than two students per precinct to serve under the direct supervision 

of election board members designated by the county clerk. A student may be appointed, notwithstanding 

lack of eligibility to vote, if the student possesses the following qualifications:

• Is at least 17 years of age at the time of the election for which he or she is serving as a member of an 

election board; and

• Is a citizen of the United States.

Idaho Code § 34-303(1) & (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Idaho (continued)
Illinois 45

2

2

 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/13 governs where the boards of election commissioners does not have jurisdiction, and 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/14 

governs where the boards of elections commissioners oversee elections.

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be registered to vote.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-4(a) (7); 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-1(b) (7) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age by next election.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/4-2 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State and precinct for at least 30 days.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/4-2 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct, or for a limited number, county. Judges must reside and be entitled to vote in precinct serving, 

except that one judge from each party can be from county within which precinct lies.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-4(a) (7); 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-1(b) (7) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation required. Election judges represent two major political parties. In May of even-numbered years, 

the county board of commissioners appoints five judges to each precinct. Three appointees from a 

certified list provided by the county central committee of the first leading party, and two appointees from 

a list provided by the second leading party (if only three judges are appointed then the ratio becomes 2:1). 

Certified list must be submitted 10 days before commissioners’ annual meeting and must name at least 

two precinct residents for each precinct where party will have three judges, and one precinct resident for 

each precinct where party will have two judges.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-1; 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-3.1 (Thomson/West 2006).

If list inadequate, then commissioners can use supplemental list, trying first to find precinct residents 

and if not possible, appointing county residents. If supplemental list is inadequate, then alternate 

appointments may be made outside list if person is otherwise qualified. 

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-1.1; 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-3.2 (Thomson/West 2006).

For counties under township organization similar process governed by county board, but county central 

committee shall notify board, by June 1st of each odd-numbered year immediately preceding board’s 

annual meeting, as to whether or not it will submit certified list of judge recommendations. 

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-2 (Thomson/West 2006).
46 Illinois (continued)

Term Requirements 

Two years. 

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-1; 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-3.1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Varies by county or municipality.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-10; 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-9.5 (Thomson/West 2006).

Time off from work.

• Give employer at least 20 days’ written notice. 

• An employer may not penalize an employee for that absence other than a deduction in salary for the 

time absent.

• Not applicable to an employer with fewer than 25 employees. 

• An employer with more than 25 employees shall not be required to permit more than 10 percent of the 

employees to be absent on the same election day.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-2.5; 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-4.5 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Election judges are commissioned as officers of the Circuit Court.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-3; 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-5 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Prior to serving, all the judges must have completed at least 4 hours of training, passed an exam, and 

taken an oath.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-2.2; §5/13-8; 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-4.1(6); §5/14-7 (Thomson/West 2006).

Prior to being commissioned at least one judge in each precinct, from both major political parties, must 

have completed a training course required pursuant to 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-2.2; 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. 

§5/14-4.1.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-3; 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-5 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No elected committeemen may serve.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-4(a) (6); 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-1(b) (6) (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates may serve.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-4(a) (6); 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-1(b) (6) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if legally convicted, in any State or in any Federal court, of any crime, and serving a sentence 

of confinement in any penal institution, or if convicted under any election law and serving a sentence of 

confinement in any penal institution, until release from confinement.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/3-5; 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-1(b) (5) (Thomson/West 2006). 
Illinois (continued) 47

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if not of good understanding and capable. 

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-4(a) (5); 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-1(b) (5) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be able to speak, read and write the English language and be skilled in four rules of math.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-4(a) (3) - (4); 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-1(b) (3) - (4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

Must be of good repute and character. 

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-4(a) (2); 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-1(b) (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

Students must:

• Be at least 17 years old and a student in good standing enrolled in a public or private secondary 

school;

• Be a United States citizen or will be a citizen at the time of the election;

• Have cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 system;

• Have written approval from a parent or guardian, and your school principal; and

• Satisfactorily complete the election judge training course.

10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/13-4(b); 10 Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/14-1(c) (Thomson/West 2006).
48 Indiana

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be registered to vote.

Ind. Code §3-6-6-1(d); Ind. Code §3-6-6-2(c); Ind. Code §3-6-6-3(c); Ind. Code §3-6-6-5(c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age at next election. May vote in primaries if will be 18 years of age by date of related election.

Ind. Code §3-7-13-1(1); Ind. Code §3-7-13-2 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Precinct resident for at least 30 days.

Ind. Code §3-7-13-1(3) (Thomson/West 2006).

May vote in primaries if will be resident for 30 days by date of related election.

Ind. Code §3-7-13-2 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County.

Ind. Code §3-6-6-1(d); Ind. Code §3-6-6-2(c); Ind. Code §3-6-6-3(c); Ind. Code §3-6-6-5(c) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation required. County chairmen of the major political parties nominate precinct election officers no 

later than 21 days before an election. Other than for the inspector position, precinct election officers may 

be nominated for half day shifts, as long as a concurrent nomination is made for the second half of the day. 

Ind. Code §3-6-6-10 (a) & (b) (Thomson/West 2006).

If a county chairman fails to make timely nomination, the county election board may fill a vacancy in a 

precinct election office by majority vote of the county election board beginning noon 14 days before 

election day.

Ind. Code §3-6-6-13 (Thomson/West 2006).

County election board appoints precinct election board consisting of one inspector nominated by party 

whose candidate for secretary of state received the highest vote and two judges, two poll clerks, two 

sheriffs and possibly two assistant poll clerks, one of each nominated by the two major political parties. 

Ind. Code §3-6-6-8; Ind. Code §§3-6-6-1, 2, 3, & 4 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

The appointment of a precinct election officer and the swearing of an oath create a binding contract for 

the officer’s services that expires when the canvass of the precinct is complete. 

Ind. Code §3-6-6-37 (Thomson/West 2006).
Indiana (continued) 49

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Part time possible. Other than for the inspector position, precinct election officers may be nominated for 

half day shifts, as long as a concurrent nomination is made for the second half of the day. 

Ind. Code §3-6-6-10 (a) & (b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation fixed by county executive. 

Ind. Code §3-6-6-25 (Thomson/West 2006).

Inspector may be compensated for additional services. 

Ind. Code §3-6-6-26 (Thomson/West 2006).

Meals or meal allowance provided on election day.

Ind. Code §3-6-6-31 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

County board shall conduct training no later than day before election day. Inspectors are required to 

attend, and county board may require attendance of other precinct officers. 

Ind. Code §3-6-6-40 (Thomson/West 2006).

Certified Election Worker Program enacted in 2005. It will be administered by the secretary of state and 

provides four year precinct official certifications to individuals who complete training. 

Ind. Code §3-6-6.5 (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

Ind. Code §3-6-6-19; Ind. Code §3-6-6-23 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No Prohibition.

Note: An individual is prohibited from holding more than one “lucrative office” at the same time. 

Ind. Constit. Art. 2, § 9. However, the position of precinct election officer is not a “lucrative office” for purposes of this 

Constitutional provision.

Ind. Code §3-6-6-37(c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates or candidate’s relatives by birth, marriage, or adoption. Not prohibited if candidate is 

running unopposed for a political party office. 

Ind. Code §3-6-6-7(3) & (4) (Thomson/West 2006). 

May not be an inspector if a chairman or treasurer of candidate on ballot. 

Ind. Code §3-6-6-7(5) (b) (Thomson/West 2006).
50 Indiana (continued)

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Disenfranchised as a voter and therefore prohibited if imprisoned, or otherwise subject to lawful detention, 

following conviction of a crime.

Ind. Code §3-7-13-4 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

No Constitutional or statutory disqualification found.

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Prohibited if unable to read, write, and speak the English language.

Ind. Code §3-6-6-7(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

Ineligible to serve as precinct election officer if have property bet or wagered on election results.

Ind. Code §3-6-6-7(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available. 

Student Election Assistant Statute

College Pollworkers

If county chair has failed to make nominations 14 days before election day, county election board may 

appoint a student enrolled at an institution of higher education, who is a registered voter in county, to 

serve as a nonpartisan precinct election officer. 

Ind. Code §3-6-6-13 (Thomson/West 2006).

Assistant poll clerks

Two assistant poll clerks may be appointed in each precinct, one from each major political party. Don’t 

have to be a voter if a resident of county and at least 16 years of age, but not older than 17 years of age.

Ind. Code §3-6-6-3 (Thomson/West 2006).

County election board, by unanimous vote of entire membership, may permit an individual who is a 

student, at least 16 years of age, but not more than 17 years of age, to serve as a poll worker, or an 

assistant to any poll worker. However, a student assistant cannot serve as the inspector (the presiding poll 

worker in the precinct). Student assistants must meet citizenship, grade point average, county residence, 

and parental/guardian approval requirements to serve. 

Ind. Code §3-6-6-39 (Thomson/West 2006).
Iowa 51

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter.

Iowa Code § 49.13(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

Iowa Code § 48A.5 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State. 

Iowa Code § 48A.5 (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: College student registration. A student who resides at or near the school the student attends, but 

who is also able to claim a residence at another location under the provisions of this section, may choose 

either location as the student’s residence for voter registration and voting purposes. 

Iowa Code § 48A.5A (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Preference to precinct, but county allowed. Election board members must be registered voters of the 

county. Preference shall be given to appointment of residents of a precinct to serve as precinct election 

officials for that precinct, but the commissioner may appoint other residents of the county where 

necessary. 

Iowa Code § 49.13 (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required, unless there are insufficient workers available. Election officials must be 

members of one of the two political parties whose candidates for president of the United States or for 

governor, as the case may be, received the largest and next largest number of votes in the precinct at the 

last general election. However, people who are not members of either of these parties may be appointed 

to serve for any election in which no candidates appear on the ballot under the heading of either of these 

political parties. 

Iowa Code § 49.13(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

County chairs of each political party designate names for appointment to the election board not less than 

30 days prior to each primary election, and not less than 20 days before the primary the commissioner 

appoints the election board from those lists. If there are insufficient numbers, unlisted members of the 

political parties may be appointed. The commissioner may also appoint people, without reference to their 

party affiliation, who have advised the commissioner they are willing to serve for elections in which no 

candidates appear on the ballot under the heading of either of these political parties. 

Iowa Code § 49.15 (Thomson/West 2006).
52 Iowa (continued)

Not more than a simple majority in any precinct, or of the two combined boards in any precinct for which a 

double election board is appointed, shall be members of the same political party or organization if one or 

more registered voters of another party or organization are qualified and willing to serve on the board. 

Iowa Code § 49.12 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

Approximately two years. Each election official shall remain available for appointment to the election 

board of the precinct until a new panel is drawn up unless the person’s name is sooner deleted from the 

panel by the commissioner. 

Iowa Code § 49.16 (Thomson/West 2006).

A new panel is drawn up every two years. 

Iowa Code § 49.15 (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Compensation is fixed by the county in which they serve, and workers shall receive compensation at a 

rate established by the board of supervisors, not less than $3.50 per hour and shall be reimbursed for 

actual and necessary travel expense at a rate determined by the board of supervisors. 

Iowa Code § 49.20 (Thomson/West 2006).

Officials shall also be compensated for attending a training course. 

Iowa Code § 49.125 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Not later than the day before each primary and general election, the commissioner shall hold a training 

course for all election personnel. At least two precinct election officials who will serve on each precinct 

election board at the forthcoming election shall attend the training course. If the entire board does not 

attend, those members who do attend shall so far as possible be persons who have not previously 

attended a similar training course. 

Iowa Code § 49.124 (Thomson/West 2006).

The state commissioner shall provide a training manual and such additional material as may be necessary 

to all commissioners for conducting the required training course and to revise the manual from time to 

time as may be necessary. 

Iowa Code § 49.126 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Oath required. 

Iowa Code § 49.75 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.
Iowa (continued) 53

Candidates Prohibited

No candidate to be voted upon in that precinct, or any person related to a candidate within the third 

degree of consanguinity or affinity, unless there is no opposing candidate seeking the office.

Iowa Code § 49.16 (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony unless that right is restored by the Governor or President of the United 

States. 

Iowa Code § 48A.6 (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: State of Iowa Executive Order 42, signed by Governor Thomas J. Vilsack on July 4, 2005, restored 

the voting rights of all persons convicted of felonies and aggravated misdemeanors once they have 

completed their prison sentences. 

http://www.governor.state.ia.us/legal/41_45/EO_42.pdf; http://www.governor.state.ia.us/requests/citizenship_

faq.html (2006).

Legislation pending: “A person convicted of a felony criminal offense who has been discharged from 

probation under section 907.9, discharged from parole or work release under section 906.15, or who is 

released from confinement under section 902.6 because the person has completed the person’s term of 

confinement shall have the right to register to vote and to vote.”

2005 IA S.F. 63 (NS).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Must not be incompetent to vote. 

Iowa Code § 48A.6 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

Legislation pending to amend Iowa Code §§ 49.13 & 49.15 to allow high school juniors and seniors who 

are not yet qualified to be registered voters to be appointed as precinct election board members, but not 

board chairpersons, if they meet certain statutory requirements.

2005 IA H.F. 95 (NS).
54 Kansas

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must have qualifications of an elector.

Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25-2804 (Thomson/West 2006).

“Qualifications of an elector” appear to include being a registered voter.

Clayton v. Hill City, 111 Kan. 595, 207 P. 770 (1922).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

Kan. Const., art. 5, § 1(Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Voting area in which he or she seeks to vote. 

Kan. Const., art. 5, § 1(Thomson/West 2006).

“Area” means territory served by one voting place and may include part or all of one or more precincts or 

voting districts.

Kan. Stat. Ann.§ 25-2506 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Voting area or county. 

Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25-2803(a); Kan. Stat. Ann. § 2804(a) (Thomson/West 2006). 

County election officer may establish a pool of trained judges and clerks from the political parties’ lists. 

Judges and clerks in such pool may serve at voting places other than their own if: 

(1) The party chairpersons have failed to make appropriate recommendations;

(2) It is impossible to obtain judges and clerks for a voting place in any other way; or

(3) Voting machines are used, in which case the third judge, who shall be trained in the use of voting 

machines, need not necessarily live in the area of the voting place.

Any judge or clerk serving in a voting place not located in the area in which such judge or clerk shall be 

allowed to vote an advance voting ballot, or shall be excused from duties as such judge or clerk to vote at 

the voting place in the area of their residency. 

Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25-2804(c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation required. The county chairman of each of the central committees of the political parties that 

polled the largest and second largest number of votes in the state at the last state election for the office of 

governor shall recommend, excluding the supervising judge, one-half of the persons required for judges 

of each election board and one-half of the persons required for clerks of each election board. In the event 
Kansas (continued) 55

that the election board is to have three members, each such county chairman shall recommend one 

person for each board. 

Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25-2802 (Thomson/West 2006).

Such recommendations shall be made in writing and shall be delivered to the county election officer, if 

practicable, at least 30 days before a primary or general election and at least 15 days before a special 

election. The county election officer shall appoint the persons recommended if such persons can qualify 

and if such recommendations are timely. From among the judges appointed to each election board, the 

supervising judge shall be designated by the county election officer upon his independent selection. 

Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25-2803(a), (b), (c) & (d) (Thomson/West 2006).

Where a city is divided by a county line, the parties shall specify at least one person from that portion of 

the area located within each such county to serve upon the election board of the voting place serving that 

area, if such persons are available to be recommended. The county election officer of the county in which 

the smaller portion of any such city is located shall designate those persons to be so appointed from 

the portion of the city in his county. Such designation shall be transmitted to the county election officer 

conducting elections and shall be appointed by him. 

Kan. Stat. Ann.§ 25-2803(e) (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

No information available. 

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Varies by county, but minimum compensation set by state. 

Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25-2811 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

County must provide training. 

Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25-2806 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available. 

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates except candidates for precinct committee people. 

Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25-2804(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony under the laws of any state or of the United States, unless pardoned or 

restored to civil rights.

Kan. Const., Art. 5, § 2 (Thomson/West 2006).
56 Kansas (continued)

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

No statutory prohibition. The legislature may, by law, exclude persons from voting because of mental 

illness or commitment to a jail or penal institution.

Kan. Const., Art. 5, § 2 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available. 

Student Election Assistant Statute

The county election officer may appoint persons who are at least 16 years of age to serve as election 

judges or clerks if such persons meet all other requirements for qualification of an elector. No more than 

one person under the age of 18 may be appointed to each election board. 

Kan. Stat. Ann. § 25-2804(b) (Thomson/West 2006).
Kentucky 57

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a qualified voter in the precinct.

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 117.045(9) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

Ky. Const. § 145 (Thomson/West 2006).

One election official per precinct may be 17 years of age, who will become 18 years of age on or before 

the day of the regular election. 

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 117.045(9) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State. No durational residency requirement other than being registered before registration closes. 

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 116.025 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct then county. An election officer shall be a qualified voter of the precinct; except that, where no 

qualified voter of the required political party is available within the precinct, the election officer shall be a 

qualified voter of the county. 

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 117.045(9) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required, unless emergency appointment is necessary. The county executive 

committees of the two political parties having representation on the State board of elections may, on or 

before March 15 each year, designate a list of at least four names for each precinct; except in any precinct 

where there are not four qualified persons a lesser number may be designated. No later than March 20th 

each year the county board of elections shall select one judge at each voting place from each political 

party’s list, and select the sheriff from one political party’s list and the clerk from the other. If lists are not 

submitted, the two members of the county board of elections who are appointed by the State board of 

elections may submit lists. If the county board of elections is unable to find two qualified officers for each 

precinct who are affiliated with the two political parties, they shall submit a list of emergency election 

officer appointments to the State board of elections. The list of emergency appointments may include 

qualified voters not affiliated with the two parties represented on the state board. 

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 117.045 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

One year except for minors 17 years of age who will become 18 years of age on or before the day of the 

regular election who may only serve as election officers for the primary and regular elections.

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 117.045(1) (Thomson/West 2006).
58 Kentucky (continued)

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Minimum compensation of $60 per election day served, with the right to additional compensation to be 

decided by the county board of elections.

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 117.045(11) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation in the minimum amount of $10 for reimbursement of actual expenses shall be paid by the 

county to the election officers for attending the training session.

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 117.187 (4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

The county board of elections shall provide special training before each primary and regular election 

regarding duties and the penalties for failure to perform. Election officers, including alternates, shall 

attend the training session, unless excused by the county board of elections for reason of illness or other 

emergency. Any person who fails to attend a training session without being excused shall be prohibited 

from serving as an election officer for a period of five years. 

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 117.187(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available. 

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates or the spouse, parent, brother, sister, or child of a candidate who is to be voted for at the 

election. 

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 117.045(9) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony, unless restored to civil rights by executive pardon. 

Ky. Const. § 145 (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited if ever convicted of an election law offense or a felony, unless restored to civil rights by the 

Governor. 

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 117.045(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if idiot and insane.

Ky. Const. § 145 (Thomson/West 2006).

The rights of which a ward is legally deprived upon a determination of disability in managing his personal 

affairs and financial resources include, but are not limited to, the right to vote.

Ky. Rev. Stat. § 387.590 (10) (Thomson/West 2006).
Kentucky (continued) 59

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available. 

Good Reputation Requirement

Must sign a statement that he is willing to serve, has not failed to serve without excuse in the past, and 

has not been convicted of an election law offense or any felony, unless the person’s civil rights have been 

restored by the Governor. 

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 117.045(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

A 17 year old who will become 18 years of age on or before the day of the regular election may serve as 

an election officer for the primary and regular elections in which he or she is qualified to vote; however, no 

precinct shall have more than one person serving as an election officer who is a minor 17 years of age. 

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 117.045(9) (Thomson/West 2006).
60 Louisiana3

3 Elections held within one year following the date of the issuance of any gubernatorial proclamation declaring a state of emergency.

If a parish board of election supervisors determines that there is a parishwide shortage of commissioners because a significant number of 

commissioners have been temporarily displaced due to such emergency, the board may submit a written request to the secretary of state, 

on or before the 23rd day prior to an election, for additional commissioners from other parishes. If the secretary of state approves the 

request, the board of such affected parish shall request the parish boards of election supervisors to submit lists of available commissioners 

by the 15th day prior to the election. The board of the affected parish shall select commissioners to serve in the affected parish from such 

lists based on availability, proximity and, to the extent possible, the requirements for representation based on recognized political party 

affiliation as provided for in R.S. 18:434(B)(7). The clerk of court of the affected parish shall ensure that the selected commissioners have 

received adequate training on the voting machines that are used in the affected parish and on any procedures necessary for the conduct 

of the election. The selected commissioners, upon approval by the secretary of state, shall be entitled to appropriate reimbursement for 

travel expenses.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann, §425 (A) (4) (Thomson/West 2006).

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a qualified voter.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:424(B) (1); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:425(B) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age or will attain that age on or before the next election. 

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:101 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Bona fide resident of state, parish, municipality, if any, and precinct in which he offers to register as a 

voter.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:101(B) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Note: College student provision.

Any bona fide full-time student attending an institution of higher learning in this state may choose as his 

residence and may register to vote either at the place where he resides while attending the institution or 

at the place where he resides when not attending such institution, but he shall not have more than one 

residence at any one time for purposes of registering to vote. Such a student need not have intent to 

reside indefinitely at the place where he offers to register. 

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:101 (C) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Any precinct in ward, then parish. Preference is given to residents of precinct, then if insufficient numbers, 

to residents of ward, and finally to residents of arish. 

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:425(B)(1); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:433(B)(3-5); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §18:434(B) (9); La. Rev. Stat. 

Ann. § 18:434(D) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation required.
Louisiana (continued) 61

Commissioners and Alternate Commissioners:

Candidate Election: 

Qualified voters interested in becoming commissioners must take a course, pass an exam and reveal their 

party affiliation before receiving certificates of instruction. The parish board compiles a list of certified 

candidates who are registered voters of the ward. At 10 a.m. on the 29th day before a primary (or the 

20th day before for primaries scheduled on the second Tuesday in March of a presidential election year), 

the parish board of supervisors will draw balls with corresponding numbers from the compiled list until 

the number of commissioners needed has been drawn. The person conducting the drawing will then 

determine if each recognized political party having one or more local or municipal candidates on the ballot 

to be voted on in the precinct is represented by at least one commissioner. If none, one ball shall be set 

aside for each recognized political party thus still to be represented, beginning with the last ball drawn for 

a person affiliated with a recognized political party that has more than one commissioner at the precinct. 

The drawing shall continue until one of the persons affiliated with each of such political parties is selected, 

unless there are no remaining certified commissioners in the parish to represent such political parties. The 

drawing continues for the selection of alternate commissioners.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:425(B) (3); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:431; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:434 (Thomson/West 2006).

Proposition Election:

On or before the 21st day prior to such election, the parish board of election supervisors shall appoint the 

number of commissioners for each precinct as provided in R.S. 18:425(A)(1)(b) and not less than the same 

number of alternate commissioners for each precinct.

La. Rev Stat. Ann. § 18:1286 and La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:1300(A) (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Commissioners-in-Charge:

Commissioners who have served in at least two elections during the last four years must successfully 

complete a course (offered by the clerk of court some time between August 1st through November 30th 

every year) and receive a certificate. At 10 a.m. on the first Friday in December in each year, the parish 

board meets and selects one commissioner-in-charge for each precinct by the random drawing of balls 

with numbers corresponding to the qualified candidates. Those not chosen are eligible to serve as 

commissioners. 

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:424; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:433 (Thomson/West 2006).

Consolidated Precincts:

The parish board of election supervisors can elect to consolidate precincts thereby reducing the number 

of commissioners-in-charge or commissioners.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann, §425.1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

One year for commissioners-in-charge, commencing on January 1st. 

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:433(D) (Thomson/West 2006).

Commissioners shall serve for the primary or general election they were drawn for. 

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:434(C) (Thomson/West 2006).

Commissioners shall serve for the proposition election they were appointed for.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §18:1286 (Thomson/West 2006).
62 Louisiana (continued)

Compensation and Hour Requirements

A commissioner-in-charge shall receive $150; A commissioner who has received a certificate of instruction, 

as provided in R.S. 18:431(A), shall receive $50; A commissioner who has received a certificate of instruction, 

as provided in R.S. 18:431(B), shall receive $100; An uncertified commissioner shall receive $35.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:426.1(1) – (4) (Thomson/West 2006).

The time for voting is 6:00 a.m. on election day and shall close when the last person in line at 8:00 p.m. 

has voted. Commissioners-in-charge and commissioners must arrive 30 minutes before the polls open 

and remain until the election process is completed on election night.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:541; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:542 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Must attend a course of instruction and receive a certificate of instruction from such course in order to 

become a commissioner or a commissioner-in-charge. 

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:424(B) (4); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:425(B) (3); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:431(A); La. Rev. Stat. 

Ann. § 18:433(A) (Thomson/West 2006).

A second course of instruction is conducted once the commissioners, alternate commissioners, and 

commissioners-in-charge have been selected. Those who earn a certificate in this course are eligible for 

increased compensation, but the second course is not required.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:431(B); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §18:433 (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §18:424(D). La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:425(D) (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

A commissioner shall not be a candidate in an election to public office or a member of the immediate 

family of a candidate for election to public office in the precinct in which he serves.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §18:424(B)(2); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 18:425(B)(1); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §18:425(2)(a) (Thomson/West 

2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

No person who has been convicted of an election offense shall serve as a commissioner. 

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:424(B) (3); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §18:425(B) (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited if under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:102 (Thomson/West 2006).
63

“Under an order of imprisonment” means a sentence of confinement, whether or not suspended, whether 

or not the subject of the order has been placed on probation, with or without supervision, and whether or 

not the subject of the order has been paroled.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:2(8) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Must not be declared mentally incompetent. 

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:102 (Thomson/West 2006).

Must not be entitled to assistance in voting.

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:424(B) (!); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:425(B) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

• At least 17 years of age, but under 18; 

• Not a qualified voter, but otherwise qualified; 

• May serve in any precinct of the ward where he may register to vote pursuant to R.S. 18:101(A); and 

• Is enrolled in the twelfth grade of any Louisiana public high school or state-approved nonpublic high 

school or is participating at the twelfth grade level in a home study program approved by the State 

Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18:425(B) (4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Louisiana (continued)
64 Maine

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter.

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. §501(3); 21-A Me. Rev. Stat. §503 (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. §111(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Municipality. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. §111(3) (Thomson/West 2006).

The residence of a person is that place where the person has established a fixed a principal home to 

which the person, whenever temporarily absent, intends to return. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. §112(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Municipality. Election officials, including wardens, ward clerks, deputy wardens and election clerks must 

be residents of the municipality, except when a nonresident municipal clerk (a permanent employee) is 

acting in any of the aforementioned roles. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. §501(3); 21-A Me. Rev. Stat. §503 (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation requirements depends on role. Election officials, including wardens, ward clerks and deputy 

wardens are appointed by the municipality, and not necessarily associated with a political party. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. § 501(1) & (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Election clerks are associated with political parties, and all nominations for election clerks must be 

submitted to municipal officers no later than April 1st of each general election year. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. § 503 (Thomson/West 2006).

Municipal officers shall appoint at least one election clerk from each of the major parties by May 1st. 

Election clerks from one major party may not exceed the number of election clerks from another major 

party by more than one. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. §503(1) & (2) (A) (Thomson/West 2006).

The municipal officers shall appoint at least one election clerk nominated by the municipal committee 

of a qualified minor party represented on the last general election ballot for each voting place at the 

committee’s request.

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. § 503(2) (B) (Thomson/West 2006). 
Maine (continued) 65

Student election clerks may also be considered for appointment. If the municipal officers are unable to 

appoint a sufficient number of election clerks in the three ways listed above, they may appoint any other 

registered voter, as long as the balance between major political parties is maintained. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. § 503 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

An election clerk holds office for two years from the date of appointment and until a successor is 

appointed and qualified, except that an election clerk who is appointed to represent a qualified minor 

party represented on the last general election ballot holds office only for two years from the date of 

appointment. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. § 503(7) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Presence required during the time the polls are open. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. § 503(8) (Thomson/West 2006).

Election officials are entitled to reasonable compensation as determined by the municipal officers. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. § 503(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Secretary of State shall encourage municipalities to provide training biennially to all election officials. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. §505(7) (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. §503(6) (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No employee of a party may serve as an election official. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. §504(1).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidate, member of his immediate family, or an employee of the candidate may serve as an election 

official in the electoral division from which the candidate seeks election. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. § 504(3) (Thomson/West 2006). 

This does not apply to a candidate for warden or ward clerk or the immediate family of the candidate for 

warden or ward clerk. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. § 504(3) (A) (Thomson/West 2006).

This does not apply to municipalities with a population of less than 500 persons. 

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. § 504 (3) (B) (Thomson/West 2006). 
66 Maine (continued)

No person having a direct pecuniary interest in the result of a referendum question may serve as an 

election official.

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. § 504(2) (Thomson/West 2006). 

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

No Constitutional or statutory prohibition found.

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

No Constitutional or statutory prohibition found.

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

The municipal officers may also consider persons who are 17 years of age to serve as student election 

clerks for a specific election. A student election clerk may perform all the functions of an election clerk.

21-A Me. Rev. Stat. §503(2) (C) (Thomson/West 2006).
Maryland 67

4

4

 A local board may adopt guidelines consistent with the provisions of the election laws, for the determination of the qualifications of persons considered for appointment and for the process of appointment as election judges. 

Md. Elec. Law §10-202(e) (Thomson/West 2006).

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be registered voter.

Md. Elec. Law §10-202(a) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age on or before the day of the next general election.

Md. Elec. Law §3-102(a) (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State resident as of the day the individual seeks to register. 

Md. Elec. Law §3-102(a) (3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County then State.

Md. Elec. Law §10-202(a) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

If a qualified county resident cannot be found, local board can appoint registered voter from state. 

Md. Elec. Law §10-202(a) (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation preferred. Each polling place shall have an equal number of election judges from the majority 

party and the principal minority party. If the total number of election judges for a precinct is six or more, a 

local board may provide one or more election judges who are not registered with either the majority party 

or principal minority political party, and a local board may provide one or more election judges who are 

minors. The number of election judges provided under this paragraph may not exceed the lesser of the 

number of election judges who belong to the majority party or the number of election judges who belong 

to the principal minority party. 

Md. Elec. Law §10-201(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

The election director, with the approval of the local board, shall appoint the election judges for each 

polling place for a term that begins on the Tuesday that is 13 weeks before each statewide primary 

election. 

Md. Elec. Law §10-203(a) &(c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: Local boards will generally fill election judge positions with persons belonging to the majority parties 

first and then look to minority parties and unaffiliated persons.
68 Maryland (continued)

Term Requirements 

Eighteen months. A term runs from 13 weeks before a statewide primary election to 13 weeks before the 

next statewide primary election (Maryland has a March presidential primary election and a September 

gubernatorial primary election).

Md. Elec. Law §10-203(a) &(c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Part-day is possible, for roles other than chief judge. Compensated on pro rata basis. 

Md. Elec. Law §10-202(e) (Thomson/West 2006).

Hours approximately 6 a.m. to completion of duties when the polls close at 8 p.m. (typically counties 

require election judges to work to 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.). Stipend varies by county, but is between $100 and 

$225 for chief election judge and between $80 and $175 for all other election judges. Compensation for 

training must be at least $20 for each required class. 

Md. Elec. Law §10-205(a) & (b). Code of Maryland Regulations 33.02.03.04(B) (3) (Thomson/West 2006).

A State employee who serves as an election judge during hours that the employee is otherwise scheduled 

to work for the State: (1) may use one hour of administrative leave for each hour of service as an election 

judge, up to a total of eight hours for each day of service; and (2) shall receive the election judge 

compensation as specified in § 10-205.

Md. Elec. Law §10-202(d) (1) & (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

The State Administrator shall develop and issue a judge’s manual for each local board. 

Code of Maryland Regulations §33.02.03.01 (Thomson/West 2006).

State board develops training program and oversees implementation by local boards. 

Md. Elec. Law §10-206(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Each election judge shall participate in a training program provided by local boards and evaluated by state 

board. 

Md. Elec. Law §10-206(f) (1) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Oath required. 

Md Const Art. I, § 9; Md. Elec. Law §10-204(a) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

May not hold any elective public or political party office. 

Md. Elec. Law §2-301(b) (1) (i) (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates, campaign managers for a candidate, or treasurers for a candidate or political committee. 

Md. Elec. Law §2-301(a) & (b) (Thomson/West 2006).
Maryland (continued) 69

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation 

Prohibited after first conviction for theft or other infamous crime, until completed court-ordered sentence 

imposed for conviction, including probation, parole, community service, restitutions, and fines. Prohibited 

after subsequent convictions until completed court-ordered sentence imposed for conviction, including 

probation, parole, community service, restitutions, and fines, and at least three years have elapsed since 

the completion of all post-conviction requirements.

Md. Elec. Law §3-102(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited forever if a second or subsequent conviction is a “crime of violence.” 

Md. Elec. Law §3-102(c); MD Crim. Law §14-101(Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited forever if an individual has been convicted of buying or selling vote. 

Md. Elec. Law §3-102(b) (3) (Thomson/West 2006). 

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation 

Prohibited if under guardianship for mental disability. 

Md. Elec. Law §3-102(b) (2) (Thomson/West 2006). 

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement 

Must speak, read, and write the English language.

Md. Elec. Law §10-202(b) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Good Reputation Requirement 

No information available. 

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available. 

Student Election Assistant Statute 

A minor who is at least 17 years old and who is too young to be a registered voter may be appointed and 

serve as an election judge if the minor demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the local board, that the minor 

meets all of the other qualifications for registration in the county. 

Md. Elec. Law §10-202(a) (2) (ii) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Other Requirements or Roles Available Not Noted Above (These may be de facto 

rules or policies.)

One jurisdiction in Maryland (Montgomery County) is required under the Voting Rights Act (VRA) to provide 

election materials in the Spanish language. The county recruits Spanish-speaking election judges to 

satisfy the requirements of the VRA. 

Linda Lamone, Administrator of Elections; 42 USC § 1973 (Thomson/West 2006). 
70 Massachusetts

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be an enrolled voter.

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, §11; Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, §12 (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age on the day of election. 

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 51, §1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

City or town. 

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 51, §1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Commonwealth.

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, §11; Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, §12 (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation preferred, but allows for a limited number of non-affiliated. Election officers shall be appointed 

as equally to represent the two leading political parties, except that, without disturbing the equal 

representation of such parties, not more than one-third of the election officers not representing either of 

them may be appointed. The warden shall be of a different political party from the clerk, and not more 

than one half of the inspectors shall be of the same political party. In each case the principal officer and 

his deputy shall be of the same political party.

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, §13 (Thomson/West 2006).

Parties must submit a list of recommended enrolled voters by June 1st of each year. 

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, §11B (Thomson/West 2006).

If no list filed by June 15th, city clerk or election commission make recommendations and party 

representation requirements do not apply. 

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, §11B; §13 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

Every election officer shall hold office for one year, beginning with September first succeeding his 

appointment, and until his successor is qualified, or until his removal. 

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, §13 (Thomson/West 2006).
Massachusetts (continued) 71

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Election officers shall receive such compensation as the city council or the selectmen respectively may 

determine. 

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, §22 (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: Pending legislation. H.B. 129 protects the rights of employees who have been appointed to serve as 

election officers. Any interference in their duties may be met with criminal and civil penalties.

2005 MA H.B. 129 (NS) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Oath required. 

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, §20 (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: Pending Legislation. H.B. 128 states that no later than June 30, 2006, the state secretary shall adopt 

uniform standards for the training of election officers.

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

Neither a town moderator nor any member of a board of selectmen shall be eligible or act as an election 

officer in a State or presidential primary, or State election. 

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, §15 (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No person shall, at a State, city or town election, be eligible or act as an election officer in a voting 

precinct where he is a candidate for election. 

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, §15 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if incarcerated in a correctional facility due to a felony conviction.

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 51, §1; Mass. Const. Amend. Art. III (Thomson/West 2006).

May be temporarily or permanently disqualified by law because of corrupt practices in respect to 

elections. 

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 51, §1; Mass. Const. Amend. Art. III (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudicated incompetent or under guardianship. 

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 51, §1; Mass. Const. Amend. Art. III (Thomson/West 2006).
72 Massachusetts (continued)

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be able to read the constitution in the English language, and write name. This provision neither 

applies to any person prevented by a physical disability from complying, nor to any person who at the 

time of the amendment had the right to vote, nor to anyone who was 60 years of age or over when the 

amendment took effect.

Mass. Const. Amend. Art. XX (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

Two 16 or 17 years old election officers may be a appointed who meet the following qualifications: 

• Are residents of commonwealth and are United States citizens; 

• Have the ability to speak, read, and write the English language;

• Have permission from parents and principal; and

• Are trained.

May be considered community service activity.

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, §11B (Thomson/West 2006).
Michigan 73

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.677(1); Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.346 (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.492 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Township, city, or village for 30 days before election.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.492 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County. To accommodate jurisdictions that cross county boundaries, an individual registered to vote in 

a local unit of government that falls in more than one county may be appointed to serve on any precinct 

board established within the local unit of government.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.677(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation required. Not later than May 15th of each year, the county chair of the major political parties 

may submit to the city, township, or village clerks in that county a list of individuals who are interested 

in serving as an election inspector in that county, designating the city, township, or village in which each 

individual on the list wishes to serve. 

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.673a (Thomson/West 2006).

A major political party is each of the two parties whose candidate for the Secretary of State received the 

highest and second highest number of votes at the immediately preceding general election in which a 

Secretary of State was elected.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.16 (Thomson/West 2006).

Individuals wishing to serve must submit personal applications to relevant city, township or village clerk. 

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.677 (1) & (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Between 21 and 40 days before the election, the board of election commissioners appoints at least three 

qualified individuals to each precinct, designating one appointed election inspector as chairperson. At 

least one election inspector is appointed from each major political party and as nearly as possible an 

equal number of election inspectors is appointed in each election precinct from each major political party. 

The board of election commissioners may appoint election inspectors in an election precinct from minor 

political parties. 

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.674(2) (Thomson/West 2006).
74 Michigan (continued)

A board of election commissioners shall not appoint a person as an election inspector if that person 

declares a political party preference for one political party but is a known active advocate of another 

political party. 

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.674(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

An appointment to serve as a poll worker expires after the conduct of the election at which the individual 

served. New poll worker appointments are made for each successive election.

Christopher M. Thomas, Director of Elections (2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Any person employed as an inspector of election, or in any other official capacity at any election, shall 

receive such reasonable compensation as may be allowed by the relevant governing county, township, 

city or village. 

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.682 (Thomson/West 2006).

Poll workers must be paid at least the prevailing minimum wage.

Christopher M. Thomas, Director of Elections (2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Individuals wishing to serve must submit personal applications to relevant city, township or village clerk. 

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.677 (1) & (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Inspectors must attend a county, city or township training school unless excused for good cause. No 

inspector of election shall serve in any election unless he shall have either attended an election school, or 

passed a secretary of state approved examination, within the last preceding two years.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.683; 168.677(3) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

An elected public official may serve as a poll worker as long as he or she does not appear on the ballot as 

a candidate for public office.

Christopher M. Thomas, Director of Elections (2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates or any member of his or her immediate family. 

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.677(3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidate for or delegates to a political party convention may be inspectors in precincts other than the 

precinct in which he or she resides. 

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.677(3) (Thomson/West 2006).
Michigan (continued) 75

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony or election crime. 

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.677(3) (Thomson/West 2006).

A person shall not be knowingly appointed or permitted to act as a precinct election inspector if the 

person has been convicted of a felony or election crime. 

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.677(3) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

No statutory prohibition. The legislature may by law exclude persons from voting because of mental 

incompetence. 

Mich. Const. Art. 2, § 2 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

A precinct inspector shall have sufficient education and clerical ability to perform the duties of the office. 

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.677(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

A precinct election inspector shall have a good reputation. 

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.677(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

• 16 or 17 years of age; 

• A resident of the county in which he or she serves or, in the case of a local unit of government that lies 

in more than one county, is a resident of the local unit of government in which the election is being held;

• Before a person under this subsection may be appointed, the first three members of the board required 

to be appointed must meet all requirements for appointment;

• A person appointed under this subsection must meet all requirements for appointment other than being 

a qualified and registered elector of the county in which he or she serves; and

• A person appointed under this subsection is not eligible to be designated as chairperson of the board.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.677(4) (Thomson/West 2006).
76 Minnesota

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be eligible to vote.

Minn. Stat. § 204B.19 (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

Minn. Stat. § 201.014(1) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State resident for 20 days before election. 

Minn. Stat. § 201.014(1) (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

State. To be an election judge one must only be eligible to vote in the State of Minnesota. 

Minn. Stat. § 204B.19 (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

However, while election judges typically serve in the precinct where they live, if shortages occur, they can 

serve anywhere in the State. 

Minnesota Secretary of State http://www.sos.state.mn.us/docs/mn_needs_you.pdl (2006). 

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation required. Local political party chairs of each major political party must provide lists of potential 

judges to their county auditor by July 1st of the election year. Appointments are made locally by the 

township board or city council who must give preference to the parties’ lists of names. All appointments 

must be made at least 25 days before the election. 

Minn. Stat. § 204B.21 (Thomson/West 2006).

No more than half of the election judges in a precinct may be members of the same major political party 

unless the election board consists of an odd number of election judges, in which case the number of 

election judges who are members of the same major political party may be one more than half the number 

of election judges in that precinct. 

Minn. Stat. § 204B.19 (5) (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

No information available. 

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Part-time possible except for head judge. An election judge may serve for all or part of election day, at 

the discretion of the appointing authority, as long as the minimum number of judges required is always 
Minnesota (continued) 77

present. The head election judge must serve for all of election day and be present in the polling place 

unless another election judge has been designated by the head election judge. 

Minn. Stat. § 204B.20; 204B.22 (1) (b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation is fixed by local appointing authority. At least minimum wage is required, unless judge 

volunteers to serve unpaid. 

Minn. Stat. §204B.31 (1) (d) & (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Time off work is protected by statute under these conditions:

• Employee must give the employer at least 20 days written notice;

• The county auditor or municipal, township, or school district clerk will provide a form that shows the 

hours election judges will work and the hourly pay rate. The employee should attach this form to the 

written notice submitted to the employer;

• Employers can reduce the salary or wages of employees serving as election judges by the amount of 

compensation paid for being a judge during hours away from work; and 

• An employer can also restrict the number of persons serving to less than 20 percent from any single 

work site.

Minn. Stat. § 204B.195 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Each election precinct in which less than 100 individuals voted at the last state general election shall 

have at least two election judges who are members of different major political parties who have received 

training. In every other election precinct, no individual may serve as an election judge who has not 

received training. 

Minn. Stat. 204B.25 (1) & (3) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Training is governed by Minn. Rules 8240. 0100 et seq.

Regular election judges must complete at least two hours of training, receive a certificate, and complete 

the training every 24 months to remain qualified. 

Minn. Rules 8240.1300, Minn. Rules 8240.1600 (Thomson/West 2006).

Head election judges must complete the regular training plus an hour of further training. 

Minn. Rules 8240.1350, 8240.1750 (Thomson/West 2006). 

The appointing authority may examine any individual who seeks appointment as an election judge to 

determine whether the individual meets any qualification under the statute. 

Minn. Stat. § 204B.19 (4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

Minn. Stat. § 204B.24 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available. 
78 Minnesota (continued)

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates or candidates’ spouse, parents, children and siblings. 

Minn. Stat. § 204B.19 (2) (b) & (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

No election judge can serve in same precinct as spouse, parent, child or sibling. 

Minn. Stat. § 204B.19 (2) (b) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

A person convicted of treason or any felony, whose civil rights have not been restored, is ineligible to be 

an election judge. 

Minn. Stat. § 201.014(2) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if declared legally incompetent. 

Minn. Stat. § 201.014(2) (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be able to speak, read and write the English language. 

Minn. Stat. § 204B.19 (2) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

• 16 years old and up;

• Minnesota high school student or home schooled;

• Appointed without party affiliation as trainee election judge in the county in which the student resides;

• Must have written permission from parent or guardian;

• Will not serve after 10:00 P.M.;

• May not be paid less than two-thirds of the minimum wage for a large employer; and 

• Must receive training pursuant to Minn. Rules 8240.1655. 

Minn. Stat. § 204B.19 (6) (Thomson/West 2006).
Mississippi 79

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a qualified elector.

Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-231(Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age or older. 

Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-11(Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State, county, city or town resident for 30 days. 

Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-11(Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County.

Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-231 (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation not required in general and special elections. Required in primaries. In primary elections the 

county party executive committee appoints the poll managers and designates one of the managers to be 

the bailiff and one of the managers to be the receiving and returning manager. 

Miss. Code Ann. §§ 23-15-263; 23-15-231; 23-15-251(Thomson/West 2006).

In general and special elections the county elections commission appoints the poll managers and 

designates the roles. The manager designates an initialing and alternate initialing manager. 

Miss. Code Ann. §§ 23-15-231; 23-15-251; 23-15-541 (Thomson/West 2006).

Managers of general or special elections cannot all be of the same political part if suitable persons of 

different political parties can be found. 

Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-231 (Thomson/West 2006).

In primary elections, managers and clerks may all be members of the same political party. 

Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-265 (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

No information available.

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Poll managers paid $50 for an election or, after approval by the county’s board of supervisors or city 

council, up to a maximum of $100 per day. A manager who is designated to be the receiving and returning 
80 Mississippi (continued)

manager is entitled to an additional $15 for carrying the boxes to the polling place and another $15 for 

returning the boxes) after the election. 

Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-227 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Not less than 42 days prior to each election, training sessions shall be conducted. No manager shall 

serve in any election unless he has received such instructions once during the 12 months immediately 

preceding the date upon which such election is held. The county executive committee or the 

commissioners of election, as appropriate, shall train a sufficient number of alternates to serve in the 

event a manager is unable to serve for any reason. 

Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-239(1) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Compensation, for up to two hours of time, shall not be less than federal minimum wage and no more 

than $10 per hour. 

Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-239(3) (Thomson/West 2006).

At least 42 days before each election, the officials in charge of the elections shall appoint one or more 

persons to instruct the managers and in the use of the machine and issue certificates of qualification. 

No manager or clerk shall serve in any election at which a voting machine is used, unless he shall have 

received such instruction and has received a certificate to that effect. 

Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-417 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Oath required. 

Miss. Code Ann. 23-15-237 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

No information available.

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of disqualifying crimes, which include: bribery, burglary, theft, arson, obtaining 

money or goods under false pretense, perjury, forgery, embezzlement or bigamy. 

Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-19; Miss. Const. Art. 12, § 241 (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: Constitutional Amendment to Miss. Const. Art. 12, § 241 proposed:

“However, a person convicted of a crime under this section that does not involve sex or violence, shall be 

declared a qualified elector upon completion of his sentence if the person is otherwise a qualified elector 

under this section. For the purpose of this section a ‘nonviolent crime’ is a crime in which no person was 

physically injured or physical injury was not attempted or death did not occur.” 

2006 MS H.C.R. 46 (NS) (Thomson/West 2006).
Mississippi (continued) 81

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if insane or an idiot.

Miss. Const. Ann. Art. 12, § 241(Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

• At least 16 years old at the time of election;

• Resident of county or municipality for which the appointment is made; and

• Enrolled in a public high school, an accredited private high school or a legitimate home instruction 

program and classified as a junior or senior or its equivalent; or enrolled in a junior college or a college 

or university.

• Not more than two student interns per precinct can be appointed.

• Must be recommended by principal or other school official, or the person responsible for home 

instruction.

• Student interns shall be under the supervision of the managers and clerks of the election and must 

attend all required training for managers and clerks. 

Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-240 (Thomson/West 2006).
82 Missouri

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.085 (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

17 years and 6 months of age to register and to vote in any election held on or after the voter’s 18th 

birthday. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.133 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State and jurisdiction. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.133(1) & (3); Mo. Const. Art. VIII, § 2 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Jurisdiction unless special permission. Must be registered voters in the jurisdiction in which they will work, 

unless the election authority of another jurisdiction obtains the written consent of the election authority for 

the jurisdiction where the prospective judges are registered to vote.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.085 (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Preference for affiliated. For counties with no board of elections and the election authority is the county 

clerk: The county committee of each major political party shall submit a list of persons qualified to serve 

as election judges to the election authority and the election authority shall select and appoint judges from 

the lists. The election authority may compile a list of persons who claim no political affiliation and who 

volunteer to be election judges and may select and appoint judges from the list. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.087 (Thomson/West 2006).

For counties that have a board of elections:

The county committee of each major political party may submit a list of persons qualified to serve as 

election judges and the board may select and appoint judges from the lists. The board may compile a list 

of persons who claim no political affiliation and who volunteer to be election judges and may select and 

appoint judges from the list. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.089 (Thomson/West 2006).

Primary and general elections: appoint at least two judges from each major political party to serve at 

each polling place. No major political party shall have a majority of the judges at any polling place. No 

established party shall have a greater number of judges at any polling place than any major political party. 

Not a primary or general election: appoint at least one judge from each major political party to serve at 

each polling place. No major political party shall have a majority of the judges at any polling place. No 

established party shall have a greater number of judges at any polling place than any major political party. 
Missouri (continued) 83

In all elections, the election authority shall designate two of the judges appointed for each polling place, 

one from each major political party, as supervisory judges. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.081 (1) - (4) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Board may appoint additional election judges representing other established political parties and 

additional election judges who do not claim a political affiliation. Any question which requires a decision 

by the majority of judges shall only be made by the judges from the major political parties. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.081(6) (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

For counties where the county clerk is the election authority, election judges are appointed for each 

election. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.087 (Thomson/West 2006).

Election judges may be appointed for individual elections or for a term coincident with the term of the 

board and until the judges’ successors are appointed and qualified. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.089 (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Part-day possible. Poll hours are 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Compensation is set by the election authority.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.101 (Thomson/West 2006).

Election judges may be employed to serve for the first half or last half of any election day and will be paid 

one-half the regular rate of pay. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.081(5) (Thomson/West 2006).

No election judge shall be absent from the polls for more than one hour during the hours the polls are 

open on election day. No election judge shall be absent from the polls before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. 

on election day. No more than one judge from the same major political party shall be absent from the polls 

at the same time on election day. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.097 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

All election authorities shall establish training courses for election judges. Such courses shall include 

substantially the curriculum developed by the secretary of state’s office in accordance with the Help 

America Vote Act of 2002. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.103 (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.091. (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No election judge shall, during his or her term of office, hold any other elective public office, other than as 

a member of a political party committee or township office, except any person who is elected to a board 
84 Missouri (continued)

or commission of a political subdivision or special district may serve as an election judge except at a 

polling place where such political subdivision or special district has an issue or candidate on the ballot. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.085 (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidate appearing on the ballot, or candidate’s relative within the second degree, by consanguinity 

or affinity, may be an election judge. However, if the candidate is unopposed, then the relative may 

serve. In addition, in a county of less than 250,000 inhabitants, an unopposed candidate for the county 

committee of a political party, who is not a candidate for any other office, may serve. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.085 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited while incarcerated for a felony, and while on probation or parole, until finally discharged from 

such probation or parole.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.133(2); Mo. Rev. Stat. § 561.026 (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited if convicted of a felony or misdemeanor connected with the right of suffrage. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.133(3); Mo. Rev. Stat. § 561.026 (Thomson/West 2006).

Persons convicted of felony, or crime connected with the exercise of the right of suffrage may be 

excluded by law from voting.

Mo. Const. Art VIII, § 2 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudged incapacitated. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.133(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

No person who has a guardian of his or her estate or person by reason of mental incapacity, appointed 

by a court of competent jurisdiction and no person who is involuntarily confined in a mental institution 

pursuant to an adjudication of a court of competent jurisdiction shall be entitled to vote.

Mo. Const. Art VIII, § 2 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must speak, read, and write the English language. 

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.085 (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

Each election judge shall be a person of good repute and character.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.085 (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.
85

Student Election Assistant Statute

• 15 to 17 years old;

• Full-time attendance in a school in Missouri; 

• Take and sign oath;

• Have demonstrated age-appropriate academic ability and demeanor;

• Be a person of good repute who can speak, read and write the English language; and

• Not be related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to any person whose name appears 

on the ballot, except that no participant shall be disqualified if related within such degree to an unopposed candidate.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 115.104 (Thomson/West 2006).

Missouri (continued)
86 Montana

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be registered elector.

Mont. Code Ann. § 13-4-107(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

Mont. Code Ann. § 13-1-111(1) (b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State and county resident for at least 30 days. 

Mont. Code Ann. § 13-1-111(1) (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct then county. Except if filling a vacancy when there the list is insufficient or if one or more of the 

eligible political parties fails to submit a list, the election administrator may randomly select, either by 

manual drawing or by computer, sufficient qualified county residents to fill election judge vacancies in all 

precincts. 

Mont. Code Ann. § 13-4-107(1); Mont. Code Ann. § 13-4-102(4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation required. At least 30 days before the primary election in even-numbered years, the county 

governing body shall appoint three or more election judges for each precinct, one of whom must be 

designated chief judge. 

Mont. Code Ann. § 13-4-101 (Thomson/West 2006).

Judges are chosen from lists of qualified registered electors for each precinct in the county, submitted at 

least 45 days before the primary election in even-numbered years by the county central committees of the 

political parties eligible to nominate candidates in the primary. All eligible political parties who submitted 

a list must have a judge appointed to represent that party. No more than the number of election judges 

needed to obtain a simple majority may be appointed from the list of one political party in each precinct. If 

any of the political parties failed to submit a list, the governing body shall appoint judges so that all parties 

eligible to participate in the primary are represented on each board.

Mont. Code Ann. § 13-4-102 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

The election judges continue to be judges of all elections held in their precincts until other judges are 

appointed. 

Mont. Code Ann. § 13-4-103 (Thomson/West 2006).
Montana (continued) 87

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Part-time possible, but there must be three election judges present at all times while the polls are open. 

Election judges may not leave the polling place other than family emergency or illness. 

Mont. Code Ann. § 13-4-207 (Thomson/West 2006).

Paid at least Federal minimum wage. 

Mont. Code Ann. § 13-4-106(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Chief election judge may be paid at a rate higher than the other election judges. 

Mont. Code Ann. § 13-4-106 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Must attend training and receive a current certificate of training. 

Mont. Code Ann. § 13-4-102 & § 13-4-203 (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

Mont. Code Ann. § 13-4-105 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

No election judge may be a candidate or a spouse, ascendant, descendant, brother, or sister of a 

candidate or a candidate’s spouse or the spouse of any of these in an election precinct where the 

candidate’s name appears on the ballot. However, this does not apply to candidates for precinct offices. 

Mont. Code Ann. § 13-4-107 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited while serving a sentence in a penal institution for a felony conviction.

Mont. Code Ann. § 13-1-111(2); Mont. Const. Art. IV, § 2 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudicated to be of unsound mind, unless restored to capacity as provided by law.

Mont. Code Ann. § 13-1-111(3); Mont. Const. Art. IV, § 2 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.
88 Montana (continued)

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

See below.

Student Election Assistant Statute

“Election worker,” as defined in administrative rules, means an individual designated to perform election 

support duties. Although this rule does not specifically allow for youth or student election assistants, it 

was intended in practice to allow county election administrators to employ these individuals as long as 

they are not performing statutory election judge duties. 

Mont. Admin. R. § 44-3-2102(4) (Thomson/West 2006); Alan Miller, Elections Specialist, Montana Secretary of State’s 

Office (2006).
Nebraska 89

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-231(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

At least 18 years of age or is 17 years of age and will attain 18 years of age on or before the first Tuesday 

after the first Monday in November of the then current calendar year. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-110 & Neb. Const. Art. VI, § 1 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-110 (Thomson/West 2006).

Self-supporting students who regard the location of their school as their home may vote where the school 

is located. 

Swan v. Bowker, 135 Neb. 405, 281 N.W. 891 (1938). 

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County in counties with election commissioners. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-221 (Thomson/West 2006).

Precinct then county in counties without election commissioners. 

Must be a resident of the precinct unless necessity demands that personnel be appointed from another 

precinct. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-231(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required. Election commissioner shall appoint a precinct inspector and a receiving 

board of at least two judges and two clerks. One judge and one clerk of election shall be registered voters 

of the political party casting the highest number of votes in the county for Governor or for President of the 

United States in the immediately preceding general election, and one judge and one clerk of election shall 

be registered voters of the political party casting the next highest number of votes, except that one judge 

or clerk of election may be a registered voter who is not affiliated with either of such parties. If a third 

judge is appointed, such judge shall be a registered voter of the political party casting the highest number 

of votes in the county for Governor or for President of the United States in the immediately preceding 

general election. All precinct and district inspectors shall be divided between all political parties as nearly 

as practicable in proportion to the number of votes cast in such county at the immediately preceding 

general election for Governor or for President of the United States by the parties, respectively. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-223(1); Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-223(4) (Thomson/West 2006).
90 Nebraska (continued)

For counties without election commissioners the same rules apply, except that the county clerk appoints, 

rather than the election commissioner. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-230 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Counties of populations < 300,000: must be appointed at least 30 days prior to the statewide primary 

election. Counties of populations > 300,000 appointed at least 30 days prior to the first election for which 

appointments are necessary. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-221(Thomson/West 2006).

Poll Worker Draft 

Nebraska law permits a county to draft citizens to serve as election day workers. Citizens whose names 

are drawn from the list of registered voters must serve in four elections. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. §32-221 (Thomson/West 2006).

Judges and clerks of election may be selected at random from a cross section of the population of 

the county. All qualified citizens shall have the opportunity to be considered for service. All qualified 

citizens shall fulfill their obligation to serve as judges or clerks of election as prescribed by the election 

commissioner. No citizen shall be excluded from service unless excused by reason of ill health or other 

good and sufficient reason.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-221(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

The election commissioner shall notify each person appointed as a judge or clerk of election, precinct 

inspector, district inspector, member of a counting board, or member of a canvassing board of the 

appointment by letter. Such letter shall be mailed at least 15 days prior to the required reporting date 

for each statewide primary and general election. Each appointee shall, at the time fixed in the notice of 

appointment, report to the office of the election commissioner or other designated location to complete 

any informational forms and receive training regarding his or her duties. The training shall include 

instruction as required by the Secretary of State and any other training deemed necessary by the election 

commissioner. Each appointee, if found qualified and unless excused by reason of ill health or other good 

and sufficient reason, shall serve for the term of his or her appointment.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-228(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

An appointee, who fails to serve for such term, unless excused by reason of ill health or other good and 

sufficient reason, is guilty of a Class V misdemeanor. The election commissioner shall submit the names 

of appointees violating this subsection to the local law enforcement agency for citation pursuant to 

sections 32-1549 and 32-1550.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-228(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

Counties with election commissioner: 

Counties of populations < 300,000: two years or until their successors are appointed and qualified for the 

next statewide primary election. 

Counties of populations > 300,000: must serve for at least four elections. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. §32-221 (Thomson/West 2006).
Nebraska (continued) 91

Counties without election commissioner: two years or until new officials are appointed for the next primary 

election. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-231(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Full- or part-time. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-223(3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Counties with election commissioners: judges, clerks, and inspectors will receive at least minimum wage 

for each hour of service. The election commissioner decides the rate and may vary the rate based on 

duties. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-227 (Thomson/West 2006). 

For counties without election commissioners: at least Federal minimum wage, but the county clerk 

determines pay rate. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-233 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Employment Protection

Any person who is appointed in any county to serve as a judge or clerk of election or precinct or district 

inspector shall not be subject to discharge from employment, loss of pay, loss of overtime pay, loss of 

sick leave, loss of vacation time, the threat of any such action, or any other form of penalty as a result of 

his or her absence from employment due to such service if he or she gives reasonable notice to his or 

her employer of such appointment. Reasonable notice shall be waived for those persons appointed as 

judges or clerks of election on the day of election to fill vacancies. Any such person shall be excused upon 

request from any shift work, without loss of pay, for those days he or she is required to serve. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-241(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Any employer of a person appointed to be a precinct or district inspector or a judge or clerk of election 

who discharges such person from employment, docks such person’s pay, overtime pay, sick leave, or 

vacation time, or in any other way penalizes such person because of his or her service as an inspector, a 

judge, or a clerk shall be guilty of a Class III felony.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-1517 (3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Each appointee shall complete any informational forms and receive training regarding his or her duties. 

The training shall include instruction as required by the Secretary of State and any other training deemed 

necessary by the election commissioner. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-228; Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-235 (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-222; Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-238 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.
92

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates other than a candidate for delegate to a county, State, or national political party 

convention. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-221(3); Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-231(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony until two years after the sentence is completed, including any parole 

term. If convicted of treason in U.S., prohibited until rights are restored. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-313(1); Neb. Const. Art. VI, § 2 (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: Legislation Pending to amend felon rule to state: 

“No person who has been convicted of a felony under the laws of this state or any other state is qualified 

to vote or to register to vote until two years after the sentence is completed, including any parole term. 

The disqualification is automatically removed at such time.”

2005 NE L.B. 53 (NS) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if non compos mentis.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-313(1); Neb. Const. Art. VI, § 2 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be able to read and write the English language. 

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-221(3); Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-231(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

Must be of good repute and character.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-221(3); Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-231(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

Counties with election commissioners: election commissioner may appoint an election clerk who: 

• Is at least 16 years old, but is not eligible to register to vote, and 

• Must meet all other requirements to be election worker, except that such clerk shall not be required to 

be a registered voter. 

• No more than one clerk of election appointed this way shall serve at any precinct. 

• Student is considered a registered voter who is not affiliated with a political party.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-223(5) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Counties without election commissioner: same except person appointed by county clerk. 

Neb. Rev. Stat.§ 32-230(7) (Thomson/West 2006).

Nebraska (continued)
Nevada 93

5

5

 Nevada also has statutes for city elections. Discrepancies will be noted.

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter.

Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293.217 (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

Nev. Const. art. 2, § 1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State, district or county 30 days.

Nev. Const. art. 2, § 1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County.

Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293.217 (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliated preferred. Not less than 60 days before a primary or a general election, the county central 

committee of each major political party and the executive committee of each minor political party may 

recommend to the county clerk three registered voters for each precinct in the county to act as election 

board officers. Thereafter, the clerk may accept recommendations for reserve election board officers. 

Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293.219 (Thomson/West 2006).

At least three election board members, one of them designated chairman, are appointed by the county 

clerk at least 31 days before the election. May not all be of the same political party. 

Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293.217(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

For city elections election board appointed by city clerk. 

Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293C.220 (Thomson/West 2006).

County or city clerk may also provide, by rule or regulation, for recommendations by chairman of election 

board of persons for service on election board. 

Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293.218; Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. 293C.225 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

Term is from the day before the day of the election, until the time for filing contests of the election has 

expired. 

Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293.225(1) (Thomson/West 2006).
94 Nevada (continued)

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Compensation must be fixed by county or city ordinance, resolution or order. 

Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293.460 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

All chairmen must attend local election training and must instruct his board before election day. 

Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293.227 (Thomson/West 2006).

Within a reasonable time before each election, the county or city clerk shall instruct the members of the 

election board in the use of the mechanical voting system and in their duties in connection therewith. 

Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293B.260 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

No candidate for nomination or election or his relative within the second degree of consanguinity or 

affinity may be appointed as an election board officer. 

Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293.217(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if have been or may be convicted of treason or felony in any state or territory of the United 

States, unless restored to civil rights. 

Nev. Const. Art. 2, § 1 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudicated incompetent, unless restored to legal capacity.

Nev. Const. Art. 2, § 1; Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 433A.460 (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.
Nevada (continued) 95

Student Election Assistant Statute

County clerk may appoint as trainee for election officer: 

• U.S. citizen, resident of Nevada, resident of the county in which he serves;

• Enrolled in high school; 

• At the time of service, at least 16 years of age;

• Attend the training class; and

• Appointed with no political party affiliation;

• There may not be more than one trainee per precinct. 

• Trainee may be counted as one of the election board members. 

Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293.2175; Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293.227(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

City elections: trainee appointed by the city clerk. 

Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293.2175; Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 293C.222 (Thomson/West 2006).
96 New Hampshire

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter.

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 658:3 (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age for inspectors and assistant election officials in general.

N.H. Const. part. 1, Art. 11(Thomson/West 2006).

17 years of age for assistant election officials appointed to central polling place in State elections.

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 658:7-a; N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 658:7 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State.

N.H. Const. part. 1, Art. 11 (Thomson/West 2006).

Must establish domicile. An inhabitant’s domicile for voting purposes is that one place where a person, 

more than any other place, has established a physical presence and manifests intent to maintain a single 

continuous presence for domestic, social, and civil purposes relevant to participating in democratic selfgovernment.

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 654:1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: College students may choose as his/her voting domicile either the domicile he/she held before 

entering college or the domicile he/she has established while at college. Most other voters are only 

allowed to vote in the one municipality where he/she has the domicile where he/she spends most of his/

her time and where he/she participates in civic activities and participates in government. 

http://www.sos.nh.gov/college%20student%20letter.doc.

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Voting district (polling place).

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 658:3; N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann § 658:11 – 14 (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation required for inspectors; not required for assistant moderators and assistant town clerks. 

Moderator is the chief election officer in charge of the polls (elected position).

N.H. Constitution, Part 2, Art. 32; N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 659:9 (Thomson/West 2006).

For help in central polling place in state elections, moderator may appoint an assistant moderator and 

such other election officials as he deems necessary. Town clerk, upon request of the moderator, may 

appoint an assistant town clerk. 

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 658:7 (Thomson/West 2006).
New Hampshire (continued) 97

For each additional polling place, moderator shall appoint an assistant moderator and the town clerk shall 

appoint an assistant clerk. 

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 658:14 (Thomson/West 2006).

The town or ward political committee for the two political committees which cast the largest number of 

voters for governor in the last general election may appoint two or three inspectors between September 

15th and October 15th of each general election year (depending on size of polling place). Additional 

inspectors may also be appointed, equally divided between the two political parties, as the moderator 

finds necessary. 

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 658:2 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

Two years from November 1st in the year in which the Inspector is appointed or until a successor is 

appointed and qualified. 

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 658:4 (Thomson/West 2006).

The term of office of assistant election officials appointed to central polling place shall expire at the 

termination of the proceedings at the election for which he was appointed. 

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §658:8 (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

No information available.

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

The Secretary of State shall prepare, by June 1st preceding each State general election, an up-to-date 

manual on the New Hampshire election laws and procedures for conducting elections. The manual shall 

be distributed free of charge to each moderator, board of selectmen, city council, board of supervisors of 

the checklist and to each town, city and ward clerk. 

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 652:22 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Oath required. 

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. 42:1; N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 658:4 & 7 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

There are several offices in town government for which a person may not serve while holding another 

office. The relevant ones are:

• No person shall at the same time hold any two of the following offices: town treasurer, moderator, 

trustee of trust funds, selectman, and head of any police department on full time duty.

• No selectman, moderator, town clerk or inspector of election shall at the same time serve as supervisor 

of the checklist.

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 669:7 (Thomson/West 2006).
98 New Hampshire (continued)

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates other than election officials who are running for a position as an election official.

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 658:24 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited from the time of sentencing until discharge or parole.

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 607-A: 2 (Thomson/West 2006).

Any person convicted of bribery or intimidation relating to elections or any willful violation of the election 

law is forever disqualified from voting, seeking or holding public office, except that the supreme court 

may, on notice to the attorney general, restore the privileges of a voter to any person who may have 

forfeited them by conviction of such offenses.

N.H. Const. part 1, Art. 11; N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. 654:6 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

No constitutional or statutory prohibition found.

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

Assistant election official must be 17 years of age and appointed to central polling place in State 

elections.

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 658:7-a; N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 658:7 (Thomson/West 2006).
New Jersey 99

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a legal voter who is a member of a political party by virtue of having voted in a party primary 

or who has filed a party declaration form for the ensuing presidential primary or primary election for the 

general election with the commissioner of the county in which the voter is registered and who, for two 

years prior to making written application, has not espoused the cause of another political party or its 

candidates; or a legal voter who is not affiliated with a political party. 

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:6-2(a) (1) & (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

N.J. Const., Art. II, Sec. I, Para. 3 (Thomson/West 2006).

16 or 17 years of age if qualifications under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:6-2(a) are met.

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Resident of State and of the county for at least 30 days before the election. 

N.J. Const., Art. II, Sec. I, Para. 3 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County. 

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:6-2 (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required, but if insufficient number of political party applicants then will appoint 

unaffiliated. By January 10th of each presidential year and April 1st of every other year, the county 

board must appoint the district board from a list of applicants. The members of any district board shall 

be equally apportioned between the two political parties which at the last general election cast the 

largest and next largest number of votes respectively in this State for members of the general assembly. 

If the positions cannot be filled from among qualified members of those two political parties, the county 

board shall appoint an otherwise qualified person who is unaffiliated with any political party, but no such 

appointment of an unaffiliated person shall be made prior to January 15th of each presidential year and 

prior to March 25th of every other year, and in no event shall more than two such unaffiliated persons 

serve at the same time on any district board. 

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:6-3 (Thomson/West 2006).

Applicants must submit formal, individualized applications to county board. 

N.J. Stat. Ann. §19:6-2 (Thomson/West 2006).

County board makes appointments in consultation with chairs of county political parties. 

N.J. Stat. Ann. §19:6-3(a) (2) (Thomson/West 2006).
100 New Jersey (continued)

On or before the second Tuesday next preceding the presidential primary election in those years when 

such an election is held or the primary election for the general election in every other year, each district 

board shall meet and organize one of its members as judge, who shall be chairman of the board and 

another of its members as inspector. The judge and inspector shall not be members or voters of the same 

political party. The other members shall be clerks. 

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:6-10 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

One year, or until their successors are appointed, and shall begin on April 25th of each year. 

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:6-8 (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Part-time possible. The county board determines if there will be one shift or if the day will be split into two 

shifts. If the day is split into shifts, the county board decides who will work which shifts. The judge and 

inspector of the board must work both shifts. 

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:6-9.1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation is $200 for any primary election, the general election or any special election. The member 

charged with the duty of obtaining and signing for the signature copy registers shall receive an additional 

$ 12.50, or $6.25 per person if the duty is split, and the member with the duty of returning the signature 

copy registers shall receive an additional $12.50, or $6.25 per person if the duty is split. 

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:45-6 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Training and certification required every two years. Within 30 days before each election, the county board 

of elections shall cause new members of the district boards to be trained. All district board members 

shall be required to attend instructional sessions for each election at least once every two years. The 

county board of elections shall cause certificates to be issued to those fully qualified to properly conduct 

the election. County board of elections shall call the instructional meetings of the district boards as shall 

be necessary. The members of the district board of each election district shall attend such instructional 

meetings. No member of any district board shall serve in any election unless he shall have received 

such instruction as herein provided and is fully qualified to perform the duties in connection with the 

election, and has received a certificate to that effect from the county board of elections; but this shall not 

prevent the appointment of a person as a member of the district board to fill a vacancy in an emergency. 

The county board of elections shall design, prepare and distribute training manuals for district board 

members, pursuant to guidelines established by the Attorney General. The county board of elections 

shall also make the training manual available on its Internet site and on the Internet site of the Division of 

Elections in the Department of Law and Public Safety.

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:50-1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:6-11 (Thomson/West 2006).
New Jersey (continued) 101

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates. If a member of the board becomes a candidate for an office to be voted upon at any 

primary, general election, nonpartisan municipal, school and fire district election, or special election for 

which he was appointed to serve that position will be deemed vacant. 

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:6-12 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if have been or shall be convicted of a violation of election laws for which criminal penalties 

were or are imposed, if deprivation was or shall be part of the punishment, unless pardoned or restored by 

law to the right of suffrage.

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:4-1(6) & (7) (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited if serving a sentence, on parole, or on probation as the result of a conviction of any indictable 

offense under the laws of any state or of the United States.

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:4-1(8) (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited from serving on election board if convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. 

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:6-2 (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: Legislation pending that would allow a person who is on probation to vote.

2006 NJ A.B. 850 (NS) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if an idiot or insane.

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:4-1(1); N.J. Const., Art. II, Sec. II, Para. 6 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must have ability to read the English language readily; ability to add and subtract figures correctly; ability 

to write legibly with reasonable facility. 

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:6-2 (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

Must have good moral character and not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. 

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:6-2 (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

Translators. In election districts in which the primary language of 10 percent or more of the registered 

voters is Spanish, the county board shall appoint two additional members who shall be of Hispanic origin 

and fluent in the Spanish language.

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:6-1 (Thomson/West 2006).
102

Student Election Assistant Statute

May be a member of the district board of election if: 

• U.S. citizen and resident of this State;

• 16 or 17 years of age;

• Attend a secondary school; and 

• Written permission of his or her parent or guardian OR 

• U.S. citizen and resident of this State;

• 16 or 17 years of age;

• Graduated from a secondary school or has passed a general educational development test; and

• Written permission of his or her parent or guardian. 

 N.J. Stat. Ann. § 19:6-2(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

New Jersey (continued)
New Mexico 103

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter. 

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-8; N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-10 (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-1-4 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

New Mexico State resident 12 months, in the county 90 days, and in the precinct in which he offers to 

vote 30 days, next preceding the election. 

N.M. Const. Art. 7, §1 (Thomson/West 2006).

30 days for presidential elections.

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-21-3 (Thomson/West 2006).

A person does not gain or lose residence solely by reason of his presence or absence while a student at 

an institution of learning.

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-1-7(D) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct then county. Shall be a resident of the representative district and county in which the precinct 

where he is a voter is located. Wherever possible, the county clerk shall assign persons appointed 

as precinct board members to serve in precincts wherein they reside or in precincts located in the 

representative district wherein they reside.

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-7(A) (1); N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-11 (Thomson/West 2006).

In the event of a shortage or absence of precinct board members in certain precincts, the county clerk 

may, in the best interest of the election process, assign appointed precinct board members to serve in any 

precinct in the county, provided that such appointed board members shall not change the proportionate 

representation of each party on the board. 

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-11 (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation considered. Appointment of election officials varies according to numbers of voting machines, 

but the various formulae maintain a balance so that representation from all major political parties is 

assured. 

N.M. Stat. §1-2-12 (B) - (D) (Thomson/West 2006).

The county clerk, on or before 55 days next preceding the primary election, shall appoint the precinct 

board for each precinct in the following order: from the list submitted by the major party county chairmen, 
104 New Mexico (continued)

from the standby list (compiled by county clerk), from any other list of voters who have the same 

qualifications and comply with the same requirements as provided for precinct board members. 

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-10; N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-6 (A) (Thomson/West 2006).

If the county clerk determines that additional election clerks are needed in a precinct, the clerk 

may appoint such additional election clerks as he deems necessary; provided, however, that such 

appointments shall be made in the manner that provides for representation from all major political parties. 

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-12(E) (Thomson/West 2006).

The county chairman of each of the major political parties may file with the county clerk at least 30 days 

before the date of appointment the names of not more than four voters for each precinct to be considered 

for appointment as a member of the precinct board. Such names shall be those of persons residing in the 

precinct to which they are to be appointed and who meet the qualifications required for a precinct board 

member. The county chairman may indicate his order of preference for each of the persons recommended 

for each precinct. 

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-8 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

The members of the precinct board shall be appointed for a term of two years beginning April 1, 2006.

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-6(B) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Members of a precinct board shall be compensated for their services at the rate of not less than the 

Federal minimum hourly wage rate or more than $150 for an election day. 

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-16(A) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Before serving as a presiding judge of a precinct board, a person shall receive training in the duties of that 

position and be certified for the position by the county clerk. 

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-7(B) (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-7(A) (4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Each judge must attend a school of instruction in the calendar year that they are appointed to serve. 

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-17(E) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Secretary of State shall provide: (1) instructions for the precinct board, which shall include a brief 

non-technical explanation of their duties as required by the election code; and (2) a single training manual 

containing standard guidelines for the operations and processes of statewide elections, including preelection day activities, election-day activities and post-election-day activities and county and State 

canvassing processes. When any specific duty is imposed by the instructions issued under the election 

code, the duty shall be deemed to be a requirement of the law. 

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-7 (A) & (B) (Thomson/West 2006).
New Mexico (continued) 105

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No person who is a sheriff, deputy sheriff, marshal, deputy marshal or State or municipal policeman. 

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-7(C) (3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates for any Federal, State, district or county office or spouse, parent, child, brother or sister of 

any candidate to be voted for at the election. 

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-7(C) (1) & (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felonious or infamous crime, unless restored to political rights.

N.M. Const. Art. 7, §1 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if idiot or insane.

N.M. Const. Art. 7, §1 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be able to read and write and have the necessary capacity to carry out functions with acceptable 

skill and dispatch.

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-7(A) (2) & (3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

Messengers. County clerk may appoint messengers to deliver ballot boxes, poll books, keys, election 

supplies and other materials pertaining to the election. Messengers shall be paid mileage as provided in 

the Per Diem and Mileage Act each way over the usually traveled route. 

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-20 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Per diem rates can be as high as $95 per day. 

N.M. Stat. Ann. §10-8-4 (Thomson/West 2006).

Translators. In those polling places designated by the Secretary of State as being subject to the provisions 

of the 1975 amendments to the Federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, oral assistance shall be made available 

to assist language minority voters who cannot read sufficiently well to exercise the elective franchise. 

In those precincts where oral assistance is required, the position of election translator is created. The 

election translator shall:
106

• Be an additional member of the regular precinct board unless oral assistance to language minorities 

can otherwise be rendered by a member of the regular precinct board; 

• Be appointed by the county clerk in the same manner as other precinct board members are appointed, 

except that the county clerk in appointing American Indian election translators shall seek the advice of 

the pueblo or tribal officials residing in that county;

• Take the oath required of precinct board members;

• Meet the same qualifications as other precinct board members; and

• Represent each political party as required by law for precinct boards.

N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-2-19 (A) - (C) (Thomson/West 2006).

Student Election Assistant Statute

No information available.

New Mexico (continued)
New York 107 6

6

 New York City functions as a county. Minor variations of rules exist in Monroe, Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter. 

N.Y. Elec. Law §3-400(6); N.Y. Elec. Law §3-401(5) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-102 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

County for a minimum of 30 days preceding election.

N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-102; N.Y. Elec. Law §3-400(6); N.Y. Elec. Law §3-401(5) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County, or for New York City, city.

N.Y. Elec. Law §3-400(6); N.Y. Elec. Law §3-401(5) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation required. Appointments are equally divided between major political parties. 

N.Y. Elec. Law §3-400(3); N.Y. Elec. Law §3-401(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Appointments made by county board on or before the 15th day of July of each year, from designations 

certified by party’s county or city committee chair by May 1st, and from board’s additional inspector list if 

necessary.

N.Y. Elec. Law §3-404(2) (3); N.Y. Elec. Law §3-404(6) (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

One year or partial unexpired term (July 15 to July 14). 

N.Y. Elec. Law §3-404(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Municipality determines compensation within statutory limitations. In New York City inspectors no less 

than $130 per day; coordinators no less than $200 per day. 

N.Y. Elec. Law §3-420 (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: Legislation pending to raise compensation in New York City to: inspectors no less than $300 per 

day; coordinators no less than $400 per day. 

2005 NY A.B. 9530 (NS) (Thomson/West 2006).
108 New York (continued)

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Course, using State mandated core curriculum with local augmentation, required every year. Exam 

required every year. Certification given if exam passed. Oath of office required. 

N.Y. Elec. Law §3-410; N.Y. Elec. Law §3-412; N.Y. Elec. Law §3-414 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No elected public official.

N.Y. Elec. Law §3-400(6); N.Y. Elec. Law §3-401(5) (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates or candidates’ spouses, parents and children. 

N.Y. Elec. Law §3-400(6); N.Y. Elec. Law §3-401(5) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony pursuant to the laws of any State or the United States, unless pardoned 

or restored to the rights of citizenship, or maximum sentence of imprisonment has expired, or discharged 

from parole. A condition to any pardon may require that the right of suffrage is not regained until it shall 

have been separately restored.

N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-106(2), (3) & (4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibition appears to include non-felons who have been convicted of violation of election laws. They are 

prohibited from participating in election at issue. 

N.Y. Elec. Law § 5-106 (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudged “incompetent” by court order and not thereafter determined “competent.” 

N.Y. Elec. Law §5-106(6) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be able to speak and read the English language and write it legibly.

N.Y. Elec. Law §3-400(6); N.Y. Elec. Law §3-401(5) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

In New York City may not need to be a registered voter to be a translator, information clerk, or door clerk. 

Must be a permanent resident, 18 years old, fluent in the English language, and for translators fluent in 

language required. 

http://vote.nyc.ny.us/pollworkers.html (2006).
New York (continued) 109

Pending Legislation for Part Time

“The board of elections may employ election inspectors to work half- day shifts with adjusted 

compensation, provided, however, that at least one inspector from each of the two major political parties 

is present at the poll site for the entire time that the polls are open. Each county board of elections shall 

prescribe the necessary rules and procedures to ensure proper poll site operation.”

2005 NY A.B. 11074 (NS) (Thomson/West 2006).

Student Election Assistant Statute

Pending Legislation for Students

“A person who is sixteen or seventeen years of age, who is enrolled in a secondary school and fulfilling the 

requirements of section thirty-two hundred five-a of the education law, shall be eligible to be appointed as 

and perform the duties of a poll clerk while under supervision of a poll clerk who is eighteen years of age 

or older.”

2005 NY A.B. 10424 (NS) (Thomson/West 2006).
110 North Carolina

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter of the county where serves. 

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-41(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-55 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State and precinct for a minimum of 30 days preceding election.

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-55 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct. Precinct resident given preference and will replace non-precinct resident if available. Majority 

must be precinct residents.

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-41(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required. County board makes appointments from lists submitted by party chairs no 

later than the fifth day before the date on which appointments are to be made. Appointments are made at 

a meeting on the Tuesday following the third Monday in August. The county board shall assure, wherever 

possible, that no precinct has a chief judge and judges all of whom are registered with the same party. Not 

more than one precinct judge shall belong to same political party as chief judge. Where parties cannot 

find worker or a worker resigns, county board will appoint substitute to replace from the same party. 

However, the county may fill with unaffiliated workers or a worker of a different party if needed. 

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-41(a) (Thomson/West 2006); Don Wright, General Counsel, North Carolina State Board of 

Elections (2006).

Term Requirements 

Two years unless non-precinct resident appointed, in which case term ends when precinct resident of 

same party is appointed. 

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-41(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

State minimum wage for election day, however most counties pay more. Average election day pay for a 

precinct judge would be $150, and for a precinct worker $100.

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-46 (Thomson/West 2006); Don Wright, General Counsel, North Carolina State Board of Elections 

(2006).
North Carolina (continued) 111

Required to remain at polling place until all election duties, including producing an unofficial vote count at 

the precinct, are complete. 

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-47 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Training, exam and certification prescribed by State board. 

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-82.24 (Thomson/West 2006).

County board shall conduct mandatory, compensated instructional meeting. 

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-46 (Thomson/West 2006).

County board shall provide training on voting systems. 

8 NC ADC 4.0305 (Thomson/West 2006).

Tasks and duties outlined in 8 NC ADC 10B.0101.

Oath required. 

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-41(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Dereliction of duties may result in criminal consequences. 

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-274; 8 NC ADC 10B.010 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No elected public official, officer for a political party or political organization, or manager or treasurer of a 

political party. 

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-41(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates or candidates’ spouses, parents, siblings, and children.

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-41(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if adjudged guilty of a felony against North Carolina or the United States, or adjudged guilty 

of a felony in another State that also would be a felony if it had been committed in North Carolina, unless 

restored to the rights of citizenship in the manner prescribed by law. Citizenship is automatically restored 

to a felon upon that felon’s discharge from custody, probation, or parole.

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-55 (a) (2); N.C. Const. Art. VI §2 (3); N.C. Gen. Stat. § 13-1 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

May be prohibited by an un-revoked adjudication of incompetence.

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 122C-58 (Thomson/West 2006).
112 North Carolina (continued)

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be able to read and write. 

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-41(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

Must be of good repute.

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-41(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

Assistants, unlike judges, may serve at the polls on election day less than the length of the full day of 

operations.

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-42 (Thomson/West 2006); Don Wright, General Counsel, North Carolina State Board of Elections 

(2006).

Emergency election day assistants are subject to the same qualifications and eligibility of precinct officials 

and may be appointed by the county boards to serve as needed on election day at the polls.

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-42 (Thomson/West 2006); Don Wright, General Counsel, North Carolina State Board of Elections 

(2006).

Ballot counters have the same general qualifications and eligibility of precinct officials and may be 

appointed by the county boards to serve as needed counting ballots at the close of election day at the 

polls.

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-43 (Thomson/West 2006); Don Wright, General Counsel, North Carolina State Board of Elections 

(2006).

Poll observers appointed by political parties are allowed in polling locations, and are not precinct officials 

and have no election jurisdiction or duties.

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-45 (Thomson/West 2006); Don Wright, General Counsel, North Carolina State Board of Elections 

(2006).

Student Election Assistant Statute

• 17 years of age; 

• County resident; 

• Enrolled in secondary educational institution or home-schooled;

• Exemplary academic record;

• Principal recommendation; and 

• Consent of parent or guardian. 

N.C. Gen. Stat. §163-42.1 (Thomson/West 2006).
North Dakota 113

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be qualified elector eligible to vote. 

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-02(1) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-01-04(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

16 or 17 years of age if able to meet qualifications set out in N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-02(1) (b).

Residency Place and Term Requirement Pursuant to Registration Law

State resident and has resided in the precinct at least 30 days next preceding any election. 

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-01-04(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

For the purposes of elections, an individual may not be deemed to have gained or lost a residence solely 

by reason of the individual’s presence or absence while enrolled as a student at a college, university, or 

other postsecondary institution of learning in this State.

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-01-04(5) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct, then legislative district, then county. Must be qualified elector of a precinct within the polling 

place boundaries in which the person is assigned to work and must be eligible to vote at the polling 

place to which the person is assigned. If the county auditor has exhausted all practicable means to select 

judges and clerks from within the boundaries of the precincts within the polling place and vacancies still 

remain, the county auditor may select election judges and clerks who reside outside of the voting precinct 

but who reside within the polling place’s legislative districts. If vacancies still remain, the county auditor 

may select election judges and clerks who reside outside of the legislative districts but who reside within 

the county. 

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-01(2); N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-02(1) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation required for judges and clerks, but inspectors may be unaffiliated. For incorporated cities the 

governing body of the city, and in for other precincts the county auditor (with the approval of the majority 

of the board of county commissioners), shall appoint the election inspectors. 

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-01(1) (b) & (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

The election judges and poll clerks for each polling place must be appointed in writing by the district 

chairs representing the two parties that cast the largest number of votes in the State at the last general 

election. 

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-01(2) (Thomson/West 2006).
114 North Dakota (continued)

Twenty-one days before an election each party chair give notice of appointments to the county auditor. If 

this notice is not received within the time specified, the county auditor shall appoint the judges and poll 

clerks. 

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-01(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

An election inspector shall serve until a successor is named. 

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-01(1) (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

County auditors shall pay at least the State minimum wage to the relevant election officials. Members of 

election boards who attend the county’s training sessions must be paid at least 25 percent more than the 

State minimum wage during the time spent in the performance of their election duties. 

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-05 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

A person serving as a member of the election board shall, prior to each election, attend a period of 

instruction conducted by the county auditor. 

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-02(4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Not less than 30 days before any election, the Secretary of State shall provide an instruction manual 

approved by the attorney general, which in layman’s terms presents in detail the responsibilities of each 

election official. The Secretary of State shall forward sufficient copies of this manual to each county 

auditor who shall distribute the manuals to each member of all the election boards in the county.

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-03(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Before each primary and general election, each county auditor or the auditor’s designated representative 

shall conduct training sessions on election laws and election procedures for election officials in the 

county and may conduct training sessions before any special statewide or legislative district election. 

Attendance at the session is mandatory for members of the election board and for poll clerks. The state’s 

attorney shall attend all sessions to give advice on election laws. 

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-03(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

An election official, at the option of the county auditor, may be excused from attending a third training 

session on election laws within a 12 month period. 

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-03(3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

N.D. Cent Code § 16.1-05-02(3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No prohibition.

Jim Silrum, Deputy Secretary of State, North Dakota (2006).
North Dakota (continued) 115

Candidates Prohibited

No candidate or a husband, wife, father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son, daughter, son-in-law, 

daughter-in-law, brother, or sister, whether by birth or marriage, of the whole or the half-blood, of any 

candidate in the election at which the person is serving. 

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-02(2) (b) & (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony until civil rights are restored.

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-01-04(4); N.D. Const. Art. II §2 (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited if sentenced for a felony to a term of imprisonment, during the term of actual incarceration 

under such sentence. 

N.D. Cent. Code §12.1-33-01(1) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if declared mentally incompetent by order of a court or other authority having jurisdiction, which 

order has not been rescinded.

N.D. Const. Art. II § 2; N.D. Cent. Code § 30.1-28-04(3) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No one may serve who has anything of value bet or wagered on the result of an election. 

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-02(2) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

A student enrolled in a high school or college in this State who has attained the age of 16 is eligible to be 

appointed as a poll clerk if the student possesses the following qualifications:

• Is a United States citizen or will be a citizen at the time of the election at which the student will be 

serving as a member of an election board;

• Is a resident of this state and has resided in the precinct at least 30 days before the election; and

• Is a student in good standing attending a secondary or higher education institution.

A student appointed as a poll clerk may be excused from school attendance and may not be recorded as 

being absent on any date for which the excuse is operative. No more than two students may serve as poll 

clerks on an election board. 

An individual who has attained the age of 16 and has graduated from high school or obtained a general 

education degree from an accredited educational institution is eligible to be appointed as a poll clerk. 

N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-05-02(b) & (c) & (d) (Thomson/West 2006).
116 Ohio

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a qualified elector of the county.

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.22(A) (Thomson/West 2006).

If the board of elections determines that not enough qualified electors in a precinct are available to serve 

as precinct officers, it may appoint persons to serve as precinct officers at a primary, special, or general 

election who are at least seventeen years of age and are registered to vote.

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.22(B) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

Ohio Rev. Code § 3503.01 (Thomson/West 2006).

But for primary elections, may vote if 18 years of age or over by the next general election. 

Ohio Rev. Code § 3503.011 (Thomson/West 2006).

If the board of elections determines that not enough qualified electors in a precinct are available to serve 

as precinct officers, it may appoint persons to serve as precinct officers at a primary, special, or general 

election who are at least 17 years of age and are registered to vote.

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.22(B) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Resident of and registered to vote in State for 30 consecutive days preceding election and resident of 

county and precinct at time of voting. 

Ohio Rev. Code § 3503.01 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County.

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.22(A) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Not more than half of judges or election officers in a precinct may be from same political party, and 

presiding judge will be chosen from the dominant political party. “Additional officials” must be divided 

equally between the two major political parties. 

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.22(A) (Thomson/West 2006).

Precinct officials in a primary election must be equally divided between two major political parties. 

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.23 (Thomson/West 2006).

On September 15th of each year, county boards appoint, by majority vote, four county residents to each 

election precinct. These are the judges, and they constitute the precinct election officers. 

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.22(A) (Thomson/West 2006).
Ohio (continued) 117

Term Requirements 

One year terms starting on September 15th.

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.22(A) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Compensation is for full election day, from one-half hour before opening of polls until all procedures are 

complete. 

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.28(A) (2) & (F); Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.31 (Thomson/West 2006). [In practice, poll worker’s 

hours may begin earlier than 6:00 a.m. Cuyahoga County BOE].

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. unless there are voters in line, in which case the polls 

shall be kept open until such waiting voters have voted. 

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.32 (Thomson/West 2006). 

The board of elections shall mail to each precinct election official notice of the date, hours, and place of 

holding each election in the official’s respective precinct at which it desires the official to serve. Each of 

such officials shall notify the board immediately upon receipt of such notice of any inability to serve.

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.31 (Thomson/West 2006).

Election judges shall receive no less than minimum wage, but no more than $95 per day (variable with 

increase in minimum wage.) is required by the State. County board may increase the amount pursuant to 

a variety of statutory limits, including timely notice to the county commissioners. 

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.28 (E) (1) (c) & (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

All election judges shall complete a program of instruction. County board must provide training, within 

60 days of election, using both materials produced by the Secretary of State and its own supplements. 

County board must re-instruct election officials at least once every three years, and re-instruct presiding 

judges before primaries in even numbered years. If a trained judge is unavailable, then an untrained judge 

may be employed. 

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.27(A), (B) & (C) (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.31 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

Does not apply.

Candidates Prohibited

Candidate cannot serve in same precinct where running, except for unopposed candidate for county 

central committee. 

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.15; § 3501.27(A) (Thomson/West 2006).
118 Ohio (continued)

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if have been convicted of a felony, or any violation of the election laws. 

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.27(A); 1932 OAG 4650 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

No idiot, or insane person, shall be entitled to the privileges of an elector, thus ineligible to serve as poll 

worker. 

Ohio Const. Art. 5, § 6 (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited if adjudicated incompetent for the purpose of voting. 

Ohio Rev. Code § 3503.18; Ohio Rev. Code § 5122.301 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be able to read and write the English language readily.

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.27(A) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

Board may designate some election officers to perform duties at any precinct. Board may appoint 

additional officials, divided equally between the two major political parties, to expedite voting. 

Appointment appears to be limited to term of election requiring the additional workers. Training 

requirements are the same as for judges. 

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.22(A) (Thomson/West 2006).

Interpreter need determined by county board. Appointments follow same training and compensation rules 

as applied to appointment of precinct election officials. Because interpreters are fully trained, they can 

also function as precinct election officers. 

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.221(A) (Thomson/West 2006).

Student Election Assistant Statute

Board of elections may establish high school precinct officer program. Rules must include: 

• County residency;

• At least 17 years old and enrolled in the senior year of high school;

• Must declare party affiliation with the board of elections;

• Cannot serve as presiding judge;

• School absence shall be excused; and

• No more than one student under 18 years of age may serve in a precinct.

Ohio Rev. Code § 3501.22(C) - (D) (Thomson/West 2006).
Oklahoma 119

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter.

26 Okla. Stat. § 2-131 (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

Okla. Const., Art. 3, § 1; 26 Okla. Stat. § 4-101 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Bona fide resident of State for 25 days. 

Okla. Const., Art. 3, § 1; 26 Okla. Stat. § 4-103 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County. 

26 Okla. Stat. § 2-131 (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation required for judges and clerks; affiliation not required for inspector. The county election board 

appoints the judge and clerk from lists of nominees provided by the two political parties with the highest 

number of registered voters in State. No later than June 15, 1975, and every four years thereafter, the 

county central committees of the two parties with the highest number of registered voters in the State, 

based on the latest January 15th registration report, shall submit a list of three nominees for each 

precinct to the county election board. The county election board shall be confined to the list of nominees 

submitted by either party and shall appoint one member of each precinct election board from each party 

no later than July 1, 1975, and every four years thereafter. If no list is submitted by a county central 

committee for any precinct by the specified date, or if the nominees for a precinct are unable to serve, 

then the county election board shall appoint one member of said precinct election board from the ranks of 

said party within the precinct. The judge and clerk must be registered to vote in different political parties. 

26 Okla. Stat. § 2-124 (Thomson/West 2006).

County election board may appoint any qualified voter it chooses as the inspector. 

26 Okla. Stat. § 2-125 (Thomson/West 2006).

Additional precinct election board members. In anticipation of large numbers of voters in specific 

precincts, the county election board may be authorized to appoint additional precinct election board 

members, in multiples of three. 

26 Okla. Stat. § 2-128.1 (Thomson/West 2006).
120 Oklahoma (continued)

Term Requirements 

Inspector serves until he or she resigns or until removed by the county election board. 

26 Okla. Stat. § 2-125 (Thomson/West 2006).

Judge and clerk serve four year terms. 

26 Okla. Stat. § 2-124 (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

The inspector shall be paid $95 for each election and shall be allowed mileage reimbursement. Judges, 

clerks and counters shall be paid $85 and shall be allowed mileage reimbursement. 

26 Okla. Stat. § 2-129 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Training every two years (even numbered years). 

26 Okla. Stat. § 3-109 (Thomson/West 2006).

Persons attending such training programs shall be paid $12. 

26 Okla. Stat. § 3-111 (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

26 Okla. Stat. § 3-125 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

County election board is prohibited by law from appointing as inspector, judge or clerk any person related 

to any member of the county election board within the third degree by either consanguinity or affinity.

Okla. Admin. Code § 230:10-3-32 (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidate for office, or a deputy or regular employee of a candidate for office, or any person related 

within the third degree by either consanguinity or affinity to a candidate for office on the ballot in the 

precinct. 

26 Okla. Stat. § 2-132 (Thomson/West 2006).

“Consanguinity” means “blood” relative. “Affinity” means relative “by marriage.” “Third degree” includes 

only parents, children, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, 

great-grandparents and great-grandchildren. 

Okla. Admin. Code § 230:10-3-29(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony for a period of time equal to the time prescribed in the judgment and 

sentence.

26 Okla. Stat. § 4-101(1) (Thomson/West 2006).
Oklahoma (continued) 121

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudged to be an incapacitated person as such term is defined by Section 1-111 of Title 30 

of the Oklahoma Statutes, until adjudged to be no longer incapacitated.

26 Okla. Stat. § 4-101(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

Additional workers may be appointed to assist the precinct election board members with specific tasks. 

They must meet the same requirements as precinct pfficials, and are paid the same amount as the judges 

and clerks. 

26 Okla. Stat. § 2-128.2 (Thomson/West 2006).

These additional workers are typically used to assist in precincts where large numbers of provisional 

voters are expected. They may also be used in rural precincts where a large number of voters may need 

to update their voter registration addresses after implementation of 911 addresses in the county.

Vada Holstein, Customer Assistance Representative, Oklahoma State Election Board (2006).

Student Election Assistant Statute

No information available.
122 Oregon7

7

 Oregon is a “Vote-by-Mail” State, and therefore uses very few poll workers.

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be an elector (registered voter).

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 246.310(4); Or. Const. Art. II § 2 (1) (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

Or. Const. Art. II § 2 (Thomson/West 2006).

An otherwise qualified individual who will turn 18 years of age on or before the date of the election may 

register after the 60th day before the election.

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 247.015(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

16 years of age per rules in Or. Admin. R. §165-018-0030. 

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 246.310(4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

County and State.

Or. Const. Art. II, § 2(1) (b) (Thomson/West 2006).

No person shall be deemed to have gained, or lost a residence, by reason of his presence or absence 

while a student of any seminary of learning.

Or. Const. Art. II. § 4 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County.

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 246.310(4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation considered. A precinct’s election board may not all be members of the same political party. 

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 246.310(4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Not later than the 30th day before the primary election the county clerk shall appoint persons to serve on 

election boards.

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 246.310(1) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Clerk must provide a copy of the list of appointees to each political party within the county that is affiliated 

with a major political party. Any elector may file any objection or suggestion respecting the appointments 

and the county clerk must consider them. 

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 246.320(1) & (2) (Thomson/West 2006).
Oregon (continued) 123

Term Requirements 

Two years. 

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 246.310(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

County fixes wage, which must be no less than the Federal or State minimum wage, whichever is higher. 

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 246.330(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Volunteers are permitted. 

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 246.330(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

The county clerk arranges at least one meeting every two years. Instruction shall conform to rules, 

directives and instructions of the Secretary of State. 

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 246.335(1) (Thomson/West 2006). 

All polling place elections shall be conducted following the requirements ORS Chapter 254 and the 1998 

Election Board Manual.

Or. Admin. R § 165-007-0030 (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 254.275 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

No candidate, except candidate for precinct committeeperson. No candidate’s spouse, child, son or 

daughter-in-law, parent, mother or father-in-law, sibling, brother or sister-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, 

nephew, stepparent or stepchild, unless the candidate is for precinct committeeperson and is the only 

such relative who is a candidate on the ballot. 

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 246.310(4) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony and serving a term of imprisonment in the custody of the department 

of corrections or if convicted of any crime and serving a term of imprisonment in any Federal correctional 

institution, until discharged or paroled from imprisonment or conviction is set aside. Rights and privileges 

are restored automatically upon discharge or parole from imprisonment, but in the case of parole shall be 

automatically withdrawn upon a subsequent imprisonment for violation of the terms of the parole.

Or. Const. Art. II, § 2(1) (a); Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 137.281 (Thomson/West 2006).
124 Oregon (continued)

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

A person suffering from a mental handicap is entitled to the full rights of an elector, if otherwise qualified, 

unless the person has been adjudicated incompetent to vote as provided by law. 

Or. Const. Art. II, §3 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be able to read, write and speak the English language.

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 246.310(4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

The county clerk shall appoint board clerks who have the necessary capacity and ability to carry out their 

functions with sufficient skill and dispatch. 

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 246.310(4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

Secretary of State shall adopt by rule standards under Or. Admin. R. § 165-018-0030, which county clerks 

may employ persons to serve as election board clerks who are not electors of the county but who are 

residents of the county and who are at least 16 years of age.

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 246.310(4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Election board workers unregistered to vote: 

• All persons appointed to serve as an election board clerk under this rule must meet the requirements of 

ORS 246.310(4) with the exception of being an elector of the county. 

• Persons appointed shall be at least 16 years of age and a resident of the county. 

• No more than one non-elector may be appointed to an election board. 

• A non-elector appointed to an election board may serve in any capacity except as chairperson. 

• A non-elector between the ages of 16 and 18 years of age must have a valid work permit from the 

Oregon State Wage and Hour Division. Employers must comply with the requirements of the Oregon 

Bureau of Labor. 

Or. Admin. R. § 165-018-0030 (Thomson/West 2006).
Pennsylvania 125

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a qualified registered elector.

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 2672(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age on the day of the next election. 

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 1301(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Commonwealth and election district resident for at least 30 days preceding election. 

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 1301(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Election district.

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 2672 (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Judges and inspectors are elected at municipal elections; clerks and machine operators are appointed 

by inspectors. The judge and inspectors of election of each election district shall be elected at the 

municipal election. Each elector may vote for one person as judge and for one person as inspector, and 

the person receiving the highest number of votes for judge shall be declared elected judge of election, the 

person receiving the highest number of votes for inspector shall be declared elected majority inspector 

of election, and the person receiving the second highest number of votes for inspector shall be declared 

elected minority inspector of election.

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 2671 (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: Legislation pending to spell out more detailed process.

2005 PA H.B. 2830 (NS) (Thomson/West 2006).

Where voting machines are not used, each inspector shall appoint one clerk. Where a voting machine 

is used the minority inspector shall appoint one clerk. Where more than one voting machine is used, 

the minority inspector shall appoint one clerk and the county board of elections shall appoint, for each 

additional machine, one qualified registered elector of the county to serve as machine inspector. The 

qualifications of clerks and machine inspectors shall be the same as those for election officers.

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 2674 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

The judge and inspectors of each election district are elected and hold office for four years. 

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 2671 (Thomson/West 2006).

No term requirements for clerks and machine inspectors.

Commissioner Harry VanSickle (2006).
126 Pennsylvania (continued)

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Unless the county board of election establishes a different per diem rate of pay, judges receive between 

$75 and $200 per day, inspectors receive between $75 and $195 per day, and clerks and machine 

operators receive between $70 and $195 per day. 

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 2682.2 (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

$20 extra for transmitting ballot boxes.

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 2682.2 (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Part-time possible.

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 2682.2(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

In districts in which voting machines are used, all judges, inspectors, and machine operators must be 

trained in the use of such machines and receive certification. Officials who are trained and receive a 

certificate are compensated with $5; officials do not need to attend the instruction if they previously 

received instruction and were found qualified. 

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 2684 (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required.

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 2676 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training is not required for election clerks, but it is strongly suggested.

Commissioner Harry VanSickle (2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No person shall be qualified to serve as an election officer who shall hold, or shall within two months have 

held, any office, appointment or employment in or under the Government of the United States or of this 

State or of any city or county or poor district, of any municipal board, commission or trust in any city, save 

only district justices, notaries public and persons in the militia service of the State.

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 2672(a); Pa. Const. Art. VII, §12 (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

Election officers are not eligible for any civil office to be voted for at a primary or election at which he shall 

serve, except that of an election officer.

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 2672(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if confined in a penal institution for a felony conviction within the last five years. 

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 1301(a) (Thomson/West 2006).
Pennsylvania (continued) 127

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

No constitutional or statutory disqualification found.

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

Overseers of election. Must be qualified to serve on an election board, but do not have to attend training. 

Two judicious sober and intelligent electors of the district who belong to different political parties. Five or 

more registered electors must petition that appointing overseers is a reasonable precaution to secure the 

purity and fairness of any primary or election in said district.

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 2685 (Thomson/West 2006).

Student Election Assistant Statute

County board of elections can appoint two students per precinct who must be: 

• At least 17 years of age at the time of the election; 

• A resident of the county;

• Enrolled in a secondary educational institution with exemplary academic record as determined by the 

educational institution; 

• Approved by the principal/director of the secondary educational institution; and

• Have obtained the consent of their parent or guardian; but

• Students cannot serve as a judge or inspector of elections. 

25 Pa. Consol. Stat. Ann. § 2672(b) (Thomson/West 2006).
128 Puerto Rico

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered and qualified elector.

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3221 (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3053 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Must be domiciled on the island of Puerto Rico and a resident of the United States and of Puerto Rico. 

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3053 (Thomson/West 2006). 

A person who is in Puerto Rico studying does not, by this fact, acquire electoral domicile in Puerto Rico. 

He could, however, acquire said domicile if he establishes a residence with his family and manifests his 

intention of remaining in Puerto Rico. 

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3054 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Municipality in which the polling place is established. Must be in possession of an elector’s identification 

card. 

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3221 (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required. The central directing bodies of the political parties, independent candidates, 

or organizations, participating in an election may each appoint one inspector and his substitute. A third 

official may be designated as clerk in each polling place. 

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3218 (Thomson/West 2006).

The parties that have coalesced shall only be entitled to appoint one inspector, one substitute inspector, 

and one clerk for each polling place to represent said coalesced party. 

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3218 (Thomson/West 2006). 

The inspector of the principal majority party shall be the chairman of the polling board.

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3223 (Thomson/West 2006).

The central directing bodies of the political parties, independent candidates or organizations participating 

in an election may delegate their faculties to appoint polling officials to one or more municipal directing 

bodies. 

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3219 (Thomson/West 2006).
Puerto Rico (continued) 129

Term Requirements 

No information available.

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Inspectors shall be at their respective polling places by 7:00 a.m. 

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3227 (Thomson/West 2006). 

After the canvass is completed, the poll board shall return all the electoral material of such polling place 

to the electoral unit board. The poll board may not abandon their work without having concluded the work 

and canvassing procedures established in this subtitle, uninterruptedly. 

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3266 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Local electoral commissions must summon all the official and substitute polling place inspectors who are 

to serve at the election in their precinct, at least one day before election day, and show them samples of 

the ballots that are to be voted at their respective polling places, as well as samples of the tally sheets 

that are to be used in canvassing the votes. An explanation should also be given as to the use of the 

various forms or samples and the materials for election, and the provisions of this subtitle which will 

govern their actions. 

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3224 (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3221 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

Secretary of the Department of Justice, the Secretary of the Department of Education, the Secretary of 

the Department of the Treasury and the Police Superintendent are hereby prohibited from acting as a 

polling official in general elections, primaries, special elections or status plebiscites. 

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 524(7) (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidate for any elected public office in the election may work as a poll official. 

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3221 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

No constitutional or statutory prohibition found.

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if judicially determined to be mentally incompetent. 

16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3073; 16 P.R. Laws Ann. § 3076 (Thomson/West 2006).
130 Puerto Rico (continued)

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

No information available.
Rhode Island 131

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be qualified elector (registered voter).

R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 17-11-3; 17-11-4; 17-11-5; 17-11-6; § 17-11-7; 17-11-7.2; § 17-11-12; § 17-15-14(a) (Thomson/

West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

R.I. Const. Art. 2, § 1; R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-1-3 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Town or city and voting district for at least 30 days prior to election. 

R.I. Const. Art. 2, § 1; R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-1-3 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

City, town, senatorial or representative district, or voting district in which they are appointed to serve.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-12 (Thomson/West 2006).

Voting district residency is not required if the election official is filling a vacancy. In the case where a 

vacancy needs to be filled, election officials shall come from a pool with the same training and duties as 

regular election officials, but shall not be restricted to being electors of the voting district to which they 

may be assigned, but must be electors of the State.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-7.1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation considered. Moderators and clerks for the towns of Smithfield, Narragansett, Barrington, Bristol, 

Lincoln, Middletown, Portsmouth, Warren, Westerly, West Warwick, and Johnston and any other city or 

town where the moderators and clerks are not elected, shall be appointed by the local board at least 35 

days prior to every primary or election. The moderator and clerk of a polling place shall not be affiliated 

with the same political party.

R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 17-11-3; 17-11-7.2; § 17-11-7 § 17-11-6 (Thomson/West 2006).

Except in the towns of Barrington, Middletown, and Warren, moderators and clerks of voting districts 

in towns not divided into senatorial or representative districts shall be elected at the election of town 

officers.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-4 (Thomson/West 2006).

Voting district moderators and clerks, and moderators and clerks of senatorial and representative districts 

in any city other than the cities of Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Warwick, Cranston, Woonsocket, 

and Newport, and in any town divided into senatorial or representative districts, shall be elected at the 

election of city or town officers.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-5 (Thomson/West 2006).
132 Rhode Island (continued)

For cities, at least 35 days before any election, the local board in each city shall appoint, using party lists 

submitted at least 45 days before election, a warden and clerk from different parties. 

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-11 (Thomson/West 2006).

For primaries involving only one major political party, warden and clerks are selected by local party 

committee.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-15-13(a) (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

The local board of each city and town, at least 35 days before each election, shall appoint two pairs of 

supervisors from different parties. Supervisors shall, if possible, be appointed from a list of eligible voters 

in the same manner as provided for the appointment of wardens and clerks in cities.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-13(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

For primaries, 35 days before election the local board appoints four supervisors from party lists submitted 

at least 45 days before primary. If primary is for both major parties, one supervisor is appointed for each 

party in the manner provided in § 17-11-11, and two supervisors (one from each party) are appointed from 

lists submitted by a majority of the party candidates, other than those endorsed by the party committee. If 

the primary only involves one major party, two supervisors shall be appointed from a list submitted by the 

involved party committee, and two supervisors shall be appointed from lists submitted by a majority of the 

party candidates, other than those endorsed by the party committee.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-15-13(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

Appointments and elective positions appear to be for each election. 

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-8; R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-12 (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Cities and towns are authorized to compensate moderators, clerks, inspectors, supervisors and any 

other election official at a daily rate in excess of any statutory allowable amount. Any excess shall be the 

responsibility of the authorizing city or town.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-19-23.2; R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-15-15 (Thomson/West 2006).

Supervisors of elections are paid at the minimum rate of $60 per day.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-13(d) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Election officials receive instruction from the local board of elections and are issued a certificate that is 

valid for one year. 

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-7-5; R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-19-23.1(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Whenever it is practicable, election officials are appointed from lists of certificated persons. Those that 

attend and complete the training are paid $25 upon performance of their election day duties. 

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-19-23.1 (Thomson/West 2006).
Rhode Island (continued) 133

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

For primaries, wardens, moderators and supervisors may not be officers or employee of the United 

States, of this State, or of any city or town of this State, but no person shall be disqualified solely because 

that person is a notary public or a teacher.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-15-14(c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidate for any office to be filled at any election shall be appointed at the election as an election 

official, but the provisions of this section shall not apply to moderators and town clerks.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-15 (Thomson/West 2006).

For primaries, wardens, moderators and supervisors are prohibited from seeking nomination or election.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-15-14(d) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

No person who is incarcerated in a correctional facility upon a felony conviction shall be permitted to 

vote until such a person is discharged from the facility. Upon discharge the person’s right to vote shall be 

restored. 

R.I. Const. Art. 2, § 1 (Thomson/West 2006).

No person can serve as an election official who has been convicted, found guilty, pleaded guilty, or 

nolo contendere, or placed on a deferred or suspended sentence, or on probation, for any crime which 

involves moral turpitude or which constitutes a violation of any of the election or caucus laws of this or 

any State. 

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-15; R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-15-14 (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: Moderators and town clerks may be exempt from the disqualification provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws 

§ 17-11-15. The statute reads that “the provisions of this section shall not apply to moderators and town 

clerks.” 

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudicated to be non compos mentis.

R.I. Const. Art. 2, § 1 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be able to read the constitution of the State in the English language, and write their names. 

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-8; R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-11-12; R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-15-14(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.
134

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

Election inspector. State board may appoint and issue commissions to qualified electors of this State to 

be election inspectors assigned to some or all election polling places. On the day before any election, 

the State board may assign an election inspector to one or more polling place as the state board may 

determine. Must be a qualified elector of the State, and may be required to attend a training session. 

Compensation for election day work will be fixed by the State board. 

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-19-16 (Thomson/West 2006).

Translator. If a board determines that the ballots at a polling place be printed in a foreign language, the 

board must provide at least one person fluent in the foreign language who assists voters during all hours 

of poll operations. 

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-19-22.1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Student Election Assistant Statute

Can serve as a trainee election official in the municipality in which the student resides, if:

• Enrolled in high school in Rhode Island;

• 16 years of age;

• Submit to the secretary of state a certificate by parent or guardian authorizing the appointment and 

allowing the student to be excused from school; and

• Submit to the secretary of state a certificate, signed by the principal, certifying that the student is 

performing at an academic level deemed acceptable. 

• Student trainees can be compensated at the same rate as election officials generally. 

• Such student cannot work at a polling place in lieu of a regularly trained election official. 

R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-19-23.3 (Thomson/West 2006).

Rhode Island (continued)
South Carolina 135

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered elector.

S.C. Code Ann. § 7-13-110 (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

S.C. Const. Art. II, § 4; S.C. Code Ann. § 7-5-610 (Thomson/West 2006). 

16 or 17 years of age to qualify as poll manager’s assistant. 

S.C. Code Ann. § 7-13-110 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Must be a resident of South Carolina, a resident in the county and in the polling precinct in which the 

elector offers to vote. 

S.C. Code Ann. § 7-5-120 (Thomson/West 2006).

“Municipal electors...must have resided in the municipality in which he offers to vote for thirty days next 

preceding the election.” 

S.C. Const. Art. II, § 5 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County in which they are appointed to work or resident of an adjoining county. 

S.C. Code Ann. § 7-13-110 (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation not required, though for primaries must appoint one manager for every party which is holding a 

primary and has submitted names. The commissioners of election must appoint at least three managers 

of election for each polling place in the county (more may be appointed depending on election and 

number of registered voters). The authority must also appoint a clerk from the managers appointed. Fortyfive days prior to any primary each political party holding a primary may submit to the commission a list 

of prospective managers for each precinct. The commission must appoint at least one manager for each 

precinct from the list of names submitted by each political party holding a primary. However, the county 

election commission may refuse to appoint any prospective manager for good cause. 

S.C. Code Ann. § 7-13-72 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

None.
136 South Carolina (continued)

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Managers and clerks of general elections shall receive a per diem as is provided in the annual State 

general appropriations act. 

S.C. Code Ann. § 7-23-10 (Thomson/West 2006).

Poll managers in South Carolina are paid $60 per day by the State for a total of $120 ($60 for election 

day plus $60 for training). Clerks receive an additional day’s pay at $60 per day for a total of $180. Poll 

managers are paid to attend a training session. Some counties supplement this amount. Check with the 

county election commission in the county.

http://www.scvotes.org/south_carolina_poll_manager_information_page (2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Must attend a training program and receive certification of having completed the training program. 

S.C. Code Ann. § 7-13-72 (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

S.C. Code Ann. § 7-13-72 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

May not serve as poll managers due to prohibition of dual office holding in South Carolina constitution.

Candidates Prohibited

No candidate or the spouse, parents, children, brothers or sisters of a candidate for public office may 

work as a manager or clerk of election at a polling place where such candidate’s name appears on the 

ballot. 

S.C. Code Ann. § 7-13-120 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if serving a term of imprisonment resulting from a conviction of a crime. 

S.C. Code Ann. § 7-5-120 (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited if convicted of a felony or offenses against the election laws, unless the disqualification has 

been removed by service of the sentence, including probation and parole time unless sooner pardoned. 

S.C. Code Ann. § 7-5-120 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudicated mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction. 

S.C. Code Ann. § 7-5-120 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

None.
South Carolina (continued) 137

Good Reputation Requirement

None.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

See Student Election Assistant.

Student Election Assistant Statute

Poll manager’s assistant: 

• At least 16 years of age; 

• Completed the training required by S.C. Code Ann. § 7-13-72; 

• Any 16 or 17 year-old appointed may not serve as chairman of the managers or clerk in the polling 

place to which he or she is appointed; 

• Must serve under supervision of the chairman of the managers; and 

• One assistant may be appointed for every two regular poll managers appointed to work in any precinct. 

S.C. Code Ann. § 7-13-110 (Thomson/West 2006).
138 South Dakota

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter.

S.D. Codified Laws § 12-15-2 (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

S.D. Codified Laws § 12-3-1; S.D. Const., Art. VII, § 2 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Must be a resident of South Dakota. 

S.D. Codified Laws § 12-3-1 (Thomson/West 2006).

No durational residency requirement, but 15-day registration requirement. 

S.D. Codified Laws § 12-4-5 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct then county. Any precinct superintendent or precinct deputy shall be a registered voter and 

a resident of the precinct for which the person is appointed. If a sufficient number of members of the 

precinct election board are unable to be appointed, a vacancy may be filled by appointing any registered 

voter of the county in which the precinct is located provided the voter meets the party distribution 

requirements.

S.D. Codified Laws § 12-15-2 (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation required. If three or more parties have candidates on the official ballot, one precinct deputy shall 

be appointed from each party whose candidate for governor in the last gubernatorial election had at least 

15 percent of the votes as shown by the precinct returns. If two parties have candidates on such ballots, 

the members of the precinct election board shall be selected from each party, and the party receiving a 

majority of the votes cast for governor in the election precinct at the last preceding gubernatorial election 

shall have a majority of the members of the precinct election board. The precinct superintendent shall 

belong to the party whose candidate received the most votes for governor in the last gubernatorial 

election in that precinct. 

S.D. Codified Laws § 12-15-3 (Thomson/West 2006). 

The county auditor shall, not less than 20 days before any election, appoint a precinct superintendent 

and two precinct deputies who shall constitute the precinct election board. Two or four additional 

precinct deputies may be appointed. The county auditor shall make the appointments from lists of names 

submitted by the county central committee of each party. If the county auditor fails to receive the list at 

least 45 days prior to an election, the county auditor shall make the appointments. 

S.D. Codified Laws § 12-15-1 (Thomson/West 2006).
South Dakota (continued) 139

Term Requirements 

No information available.

Compensation and Hour Requirements

County determines fee. 

S.D. Codified Laws § 12-15-11 (Thomson/West 2006). 

At all times after the polls are opened the precinct election officials shall remain at the polling place with 

the ballot boxes until the polls are closed and they have completed their duties. 

S.D. Codified Laws § 12-18-1.4 (Thomson/West 2006). 

In precincts where counting boards have been appointed, the officials shall remain until after the election 

supplies are turned over to the counting board and the certificate and receipt have been signed. 

S.D. Codified Laws § 12-18-1.5 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Prior to an election, each county auditor, assisted by the State’s attorney, shall call together the 

superintendents from each of the precincts in the county, and any precinct deputy as the county 

auditor may deem appropriate, and instruct them on the election laws and the duties of the precinct 

superintendent and precinct deputies. A fixed fee of not less than $5 will be paid to those who were called 

and attended. 

S.D. Codified Laws § 12-15-7 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Oath required.

S.D. Codified Laws § 12-15-9 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No person appointed as a precinct superintendent or precinct deputy may serve as a poll watcher at that 

election. 

S.D. Codified Laws § 12-15-2.1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates or persons related by blood or marriage within the second degree to a candidate who is on 

the ballot in that precinct. 

S.D. Codified Laws § 12-15-14.3 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if incarcerated felon. Upon discharge the full rights of citizenship are restored. 

S.D. Codified Laws § 23A-27-35; S.D. Codified Laws § 24-5-2; S.D. Const. Art. VII, § 2 (Thomson/West 2006).
140 South Dakota (continued)

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if declared mentally incompetent.

S.D. Codified Laws § 12-4-18 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

Student excused from attendance for the purpose of working as a precinct election official if the student is 

at least 18 years old.

S.D. Codified Laws § 13-27-6.1 (Thomson/West 2006).
Tennessee 141

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-103(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

17 years of age to serve. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-103(e) (Thomson/West 2006). 

18 years of age on or before the date of the next election to be registered voter. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-104 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Must be a resident of Tennessee. No durational residency requirement. Thirty-day registration requirement. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-102; Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-2-103 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

State house legislative district or county, depending on poll worker roll and government organization. 

Officers of elections, judges, machine operators, precinct registrars, and assistant precinct registrars shall 

be registered voters and may serve at any polling place within the state house legislative district of which 

they are an inhabitant. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-103(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: Pending S.B. 2132 would change 2-4-103(a) so the officer would have to serve in the county of 

such district in which the officer is an inhabitant.

Inspectors shall be registered voters at a polling place in the county and shall be inhabitants of the county. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-103(b) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Counties <600,000 population, the county election commission may appoint persons as precinct 

registrars who shall be registered voters and inhabitants of the county. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-103(c) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Counties with metropolitan government: precinct registrars shall be registered voters at a polling place 

within each legislative district and inspectors shall be registered voters at a polling place in the legislative 

district. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-103(d) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliated preferred. Thirty days before the appointment time, each county primary board shall, and each 

county executive committee may, nominate persons for appointment as election officials. The county 

election commission shall appoint such nominees who are qualified, but where there are inadequate 

numbers of nominees, the county election commission may itself nominate qualified people. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-106 (Thomson/West 2006).
142 Tennessee (continued)

If a statewide political party does not have a member on the county election commission, and there was 

not an election official appointed from its nominees for each polling place, on request of the party’s county 

primary board, the commission shall appoint from that party’s nominees one inspector for every 30,000 

people in the county according to the current federal census, but no fewer than two inspectors and no 

more than ten. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-102(b) (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Between 45 and 10 days before the election, the county election commission shall appoint at least three 

judges, one officer of elections, and as many inspectors as necessary to each polling place. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-102(a) & (b) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

No more than two of the judges at a polling place may be of the same political party, if persons from 

different political parties are willing to serve. For primaries at least one judge shall be appointed from each 

party having a primary at the polling place for which the judges are being appointed. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-104 (Thomson/West 2006).

As nearly as practicable, no more than one half of the number of election officials at a polling place and 

no more than one half of the whole number of inspectors may be members of the same political party. If 

one political party elects to hold a primary election then only members of that political party who call the 

primary shall be appointed to serve at the polls as election officials. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-105 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

No information available.

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Officers of elections, judges, machine operators, and inspectors shall be paid for their services on election 

day a minimum of $15. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-109 (Thomson/West 2006). 

Amount can be increased by county legislative body.

Beth Henry Robertson, Assistant Coordinator Elections Division, Tennessee Secretary of State (2006).

The election officials of each polling place shall meet at the polling place at least one-half hour before the 

time for opening the polls for the election. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-7-105(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

At least 30 days before each election, an instructional meeting shall be held under the direction of the 

county election commission. Elections officials shall attend the meeting and shall receive, for the time 

spent in receiving such instructions and qualifying to serve at an election by taking the oath, the sum of 

ten dollars which is to be paid only if they serve in the election. The compensation may be increased by 

resolution of the county legislative body. The county election commission may limit attendance to only 

those persons who are inexperienced or otherwise need such training. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-108 (Thomson/West 2006).
Tennessee (continued) 143

No inspector may serve on election day who has not received the instruction provided under § 2-4-108. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-102(b) (4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-1-111 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

Neither an elected official nor an employee of a State, county, municipal or Federal governmental body or 

agency or of an elected official may serve as a member of a county election commission or as a member 

of a county primary board or as an election official. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-1-112(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidate in an election may act in connection with that election as a member of any board or 

commission established under this title or as an election official. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-1-112(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Anyone convicted of a felony, without having had voting rights restored, is prohibited during period of 

incarceration, probation, and parole.

Beth Henry Robertson, Assistant Coordinator Elections Division, Tennessee Secretary of State (2006).

Anyone convicted of infamous crimes by any State or Federal court after July 1, 1986, but before July 

1, 1996, is eligible to have full rights of citizenship restored through a court of competent jurisdiction 

upon: receiving a pardon, except where such pardon contains special conditions pertaining to the right 

to suffrage; service or expiration of the maximum sentence imposed for any such infamous crime; or 

being granted final release from incarceration or supervision by the board of probation and parole, or 

county correction authority. A person rendered infamous after July 1, 1986, by virtue of being convicted 

of one of the following crimes shall never be eligible to register and vote in this state: first degree murder, 

aggravated rape, and treason or voter fraud. May also be prohibited if given a pardon with conditions on 

voting. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-29-105(c)(2) (b); Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-29-105(b)(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

A person may be refused appointment if: incompetent to hold elections, failed to serve as directed in 

previous elections, or is unfit to serve in the election. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-106(d) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

A person may be refused appointment if: incompetent to hold elections, failed to serve as directed in 

previous elections, or is unfit to serve in the election. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-106(d) (Thomson/West 2006).
144

Good Reputation Requirement

A person may be refused appointment if: incompetent to hold elections, failed to serve as directed in 

previous elections, or is unfit to serve in the election. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-106(d) (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

• 17 years of age. 

• Meets all other requirements to serve. 

• Nothing in this section shall prohibit a high school student appointed as a poll official from receiving 

compensation in addition to having an excused absence. 

Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-4-103(e) (Thomson/West 2006).

Tennessee (continued)
Texas 145

8

8

 Eligibility requirements or grounds of ineligibility in addition to those prescribed by subchapter 32 of the election code may be prescribed 

by a home-rule city charter for election officers serving in elections ordered by an authority of the city.

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.056 (Thomson/West 2006).

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a qualified voter.

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.051(1) (a) & (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

Tex. Elec. Code § 11.002(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State resident for 30 days.

Tex. Elec. Code § 11.002(5) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct if election judge, or county if precinct resident cannot be found.

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.051(a), (b), (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

County if election clerk, or part of county or political subdivision if election is for only a part of the county 

or a political subdivision.

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.051(c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required. County elections: The presiding judge and alternate presiding judge must be 

affiliated or aligned with different political parties.

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.002(c) (Thomson/West 2006).

The commissioners’ court will make appointments from lists submitted, before July of each year (may 

supplement until the 20th day before a general election or the 15th day before a special election), by the 

political parties whose candidate for governor received the highest or second highest number of votes in 

the county in the most recent gubernatorial general election. The presiding election judge will be from the 

party with the highest votes, and an alternate presiding judge from the party with the second highest votes. 

Tex. Elec. Code §32.001(a); Tex. Elec. Code § 32.002(c), (d) (Thomson/West 2006).

The presiding judge appoints at least two clerks for each precinct in each election, at least one from each 

list supplied by the county chairs of the two parties with the highest gubernatorial votes. Appointments 

are made not later than the fifth day after the date the judge receives the list and shall deliver written 

notification of the appointment to the appropriate county chair.

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.033(b); 32.034(b); Tex. Elec. Code § 32.034(d) (Thomson/West 2006).
146 Texas (continued)

In an election conducted by the regularly appointed presiding judge, the presiding judge shall appoint the 

alternate presiding judge as one of the clerks. 

Tex. Elec. Code § §32.032 (Thomson/West 2006).

The clerks for general and special State and county elections are selected from different political parties if 

possible. 

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.034(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

If only one additional clerk is to be appointed for an election in which the alternate presiding judge will 

serve as a clerk, the clerk shall be appointed from the list of a political party with which neither the 

presiding judge nor the alternate judge is affiliated or aligned, if such a list is submitted. If two such lists 

are submitted, the presiding judge shall decide from which list the appointment will be made. If such a list 

is not submitted, the presiding judge is not required to make an appointment from any list.

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.034(c) (Thomson/West 2006).

If a presiding judge has not been appointed at the time the county chair of a political party is required 

to submit a list of names for the appointment of a clerk, the list of names shall be submitted to the 

county chair of the political party whose candidate for governor received the most votes in the precinct 

in the most recent gubernatorial election and to the commissioners court. The county chair, or the 

commissioners’ court in a county without a county chair, shall appoint clerks from the list in the same 

manner provided for a presiding judge to appoint clerks.

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.034(e) (Thomson/West 2006).

Political subdivisions other than a county: The governing body appoints judges and determines their term 

of service, which may not exceed two years. 

Tex. Elec. Code §32.005 (Thomson/West 2006).

Primaries: The county chair of a political party holding a primary election appoints the judges for each 

precinct, with the approval of the county executive committee.

Tex. Elec. Code §32.006(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

Judges serve for a term of one year beginning on August 1st following the appointment, except that the 

commissioners’ court by order recorded in its minutes may provide for a term of two years. 

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.002(b) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Appointment of an election clerk is for a single election only. 

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.031(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Part time possible for clerks. The presiding judge shall designate the working hours of election clerks 

serving. 

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.072(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Clerks may be assigned to work for different lengths of time and to begin work at different hours. 

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.072(b) (Thomson/West 2006). 
Texas (continued) 147

Election judge or clerk is entitled to compensation for services rendered at a precinct polling place at an 

hourly rate, which amount must be at least the federal minimum hourly wage.

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.091(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Secretary of State adopts standards of training in election law and procedure for presiding or alternate 

election judges. Standards may include required attendance at appropriate training programs or the 

passage of an examination at the end of a training program. 

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.111(a), (b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: Secretary of State training guidelines are available at: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/laws/

ejccur.shtml (2006). 

Training videos and election worker handbooks are also available through the Secretary of State.

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

A person who holds an elective public office is ineligible to serve as an election judge or clerk in an 

election.

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.052(a) (Thomson/West 2006). 

A deputy or assistant serving under a public officer does not hold a public office.

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.052(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates for public office may serve.

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.053(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited from serving if employed by or related within the second degree by consanguinity or affinity to 

an opposed candidate for a public office or the party office of county chair in the election. 

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.054(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited from serving if campaign treasurer/campaign manager of a candidate in that election. 

Tex. Elec. Code §§ 32.055(a), 32.0551(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony and sentence is not fully discharged, including any term of 

incarceration, parole, or supervision or completion of a period of probation ordered by any court; unless 

pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disability.

Tex. Elec. Code § 11.002(4) (Thomson/West 2006).

A person is ineligible to serve as an election judge or clerk in an election if the person has been finally 

convicted of an offense in connection with conduct directly attributable to an election. 

Tex. Elec. Code § 32.0552 (Thomson/West 2006).
148

Prohibited if convicted of any felony, subject to such exceptions as the legislature may make. The 

legislature shall enact laws to exclude from the right of suffrage persons who have been convicted of 

bribery, perjury, forgery, or other high crimes.

Tex. Const. Art. VI, § 1 (3) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if determined mentally incompetent by a final judgment of a court.

Tex. Elec. Code § 11.002(3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited if determined mentally incompetent by a court, subject to such exceptions as the legislature 

may make.

Tex. Const. Art. VI, § 1 (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

Translators. The presiding judge of an election precinct subject to Section 272.002 shall make reasonable 

efforts to appoint a sufficient number of election clerks who are fluent in both English and Spanish to serve 

the needs of the Spanish-speaking voters of the precinct. 

Tex. Elec. Code § 272.009(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

If the number of election clerks appointed under Subsection (a) is insufficient to serve the needs of the 

Spanish-speaking voters in the election, the authority appointing election judges for the election shall 

appoint at least one clerk who is fluent in both English and Spanish to serve at a central location to 

provide assistance for Spanish-speaking voters. 

Tex. Elec. Code § 272.009(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Student Election Assistant Statute

No information available.

Texas (continued)
Utah 149

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-601(1) (b) (i); Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-602(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-2-101(1) (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

There are currently some opportunities for 17 year olds who will be 18 years of age by the next regular 

general election.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-601 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State for at least the 30 days immediately before the election. 

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-2-101(1) (b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County for general and primary elections.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-601(1) (b) (i) (Thomson/West 2006).

Jurisdiction for local elections.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-602(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation Generally Required for Judges in Regular General Elections and Primary Elections.

By April 1st of each even-numbered year each registered political party files list of eligible candidates, and 

each county legislative body appoints election judges from the lists submitted.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-601(1) & (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

For each set of three judges to be appointed for each voting precinct, the county legislative body shall 

ensure that: two judges are appointed from the political party that cast the highest number of votes for 

governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state auditor, and state treasurer, excluding votes for 

unopposed candidates, in the voting precinct at the last regular general election before the appointment 

of the election judges; and one judge is appointed from the political party that cast the second highest 

number of votes. 

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-601(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

For each set of two judges to be appointed for each voting precinct, the county legislative body shall 

ensure that: one judge is appointed from the political party that cast the highest number of votes for 

governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, State auditor, and State treasurer, excluding votes for 

unopposed candidates, in the voting precinct at the last regular general election before the appointment 
150 Utah (continued)

of the election judges; and one judge is appointed from the political party that cast the second highest 

number of votes.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-601(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Where a party fails to submit a list by the deadline or the list is incomplete, the county legislative body 

shall provide for the appointment of any qualified county voter as an election judge. 

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-601(8) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation Not Required for Judges in Local Elections.

At least 15 days before the date scheduled for any local election, the municipal legislative body or special 

district board shall appoint or provide for the appointment of judges.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-602(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

If poll worker fails to show up at the poll then the poll workers present may appoint a qualified elector, 

from the same political party as the absentee, to fill the role.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-605(3) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

Possible two year terms for general and primary elections.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-601(1) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

All election judges are used for the term of the election. They may or may not be used in both elections 

during an election cycle.

Stephen MacDonald, Deputy Director of Elections, Utah (2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

For general and primary elections the county legislative body shall establish compensation for election 

judges.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-601(13) (Thomson/West 2006).

For local elections the municipal legislative body and special district board shall compensate election 

judges for their services, but may not compensate their election judges at a rate higher than that paid by 

the county to its election judges.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-602(4) (Thomson/West 2006). 

Poll workers are reimbursed for mileage traveled.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-4-201(3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

According to the Utah State Plan on Election Reform Amended on November 8, 2004, the State, in 

cooperation with the county clerks, will design a uniform and standardized training for all judges by the 

2006 election. It is unknown whether that occurred.

www.elections.utah.gov/stateplan.amended.11.8.04.pdf; Utah Admin. Code R623-3-1 incorporates policies and 

procedures in Utah State Plan by reference.
Utah (continued) 151

Oath required. 

Utah Const. Art. 4, §10 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information for general and primary elections.

Candidates Prohibited

In local elections, no candidate’s parent, sibling, spouse, child, or in-law may serve in the voting precinct 

where the candidate resides. 

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-602(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates are not prohibited under the code from being poll workers in general or primary elections, but 

the practice is to prohibit candidates from serving as election judges.

Stephen MacDonald, Deputy Director of Elections, Utah (2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony in any State or Federal court, until rights are restored by being 

sentenced to probation by the sentencing judge, granted parole by the board of pardons, or successfully 

completing the term of incarceration.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-2-101.5 (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited if convicted of a felony or of treason or a crime against the elective franchise until right is 

restored as provided by statute.

Utah Const. Art. 4, § 6 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudicated mentally incompetent until right is restored as provided by statute.

Utah Const. Art. 4, § 6; Utah Code Ann. §62A-15-641(1) (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

For general and primary elections must be competent.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-601(1) (b) (i) (Thomson/West 2006).

Competence is required for local elections, though the requirement is not codified.

Stephen MacDonald, Deputy Director of Elections, Utah (2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

For general and primary elections must be trustworthy.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-601(1) (b) (i) (Thomson/West 2006).

Trustworthiness is required for local elections, though the requirement is not codified.

Stephen MacDonald, Deputy Director of Elections, Utah (2006).
152

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

There are currently some opportunities for 17-year-olds who will be 18 years old by the next regular 

general election.

Utah Code Ann. § 20A-5-601 (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: According to the Utah State Plan on Election Reform, amended on November 8, 2004, legislation 

will be introduced to allow 17-year-olds to work at polling places. 

www.elections.utah.gov/stateplan.amended.11.8.04.pdf.

Utah Admin. Code R623-3-1 incorporates policies and procedures in Utah State Plan by reference.

Pending Legislation Alert for 2006:

Many of the requirements for election judges will change if certain bills pass the legislature. The main bill is 

House Bill 348 or House Bill 14.

Stephen MacDonald, Deputy Director of Elections, Utah (2006).

Utah (continued)
Vermont 153

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter, unless approved 16 or 17 year old assistant.

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2452(a); Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2454(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2121(4) (Thomson/West 2006).

16 or 17 years of age as assistant elections officers. 

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2454(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Must reside in municipality, and if temporarily leave have intent to return indefinitely. 

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2121(2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Must reside in voting district, except in larger municipalities where districts can be combined for improved 

administration. 

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2452(a); Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2454(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

The only exception to residency is that an assistant town clerk may serve as an assistant elections officer, 

regardless of his or her residence. 

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2454(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation considered for assistant election officers. The town clerk shall be the presiding officer unless 

the town by vote at an annual meeting or by charter shall provide otherwise. If the regular presiding officer 

is unavailable or unable to preside at any given election, then the board of civil authority shall promptly 

appoint a voter of the town to serve as the presiding officer at that election. If more than one polling place 

is used, the board shall appoint a presiding officer for each additional polling place.

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2452 (Thomson/West 2006).

The board of civil authority appoints the assistant election officers prior to the election. As far as possible, 

the board shall attempt to appoint an equal number of persons from each major political party. 

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2454 (Thomson/West 2006).
154

Term Requirements 

There are no set terms for presiding officers. Generally the town clerk serves as long as he or she is town 

clerk. Town clerks can be elected to one year or three year terms. No more than two years for presiding 

officers for additional polling places. 

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2452(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Assistant election officers appear to serve for election to which appointed.

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2454(A) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

The presiding election officer shall notify each election official of the hours when he shall be present to 

work at the polls. 

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2455 (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation is set by local legislative body and varies from volunteers, to minimum wage, to higher 

hourly wages, to stipends for a shift or stipends for all day.

Kathy DeWolfe, Director of Elections and Campaign Finance (2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

The Secretary of State shall organize regional workshops for election officials. The regular presiding officer 

of each town or an assistant designated by the board of civil authority shall attend, at the town’s expense, 

at least one of these election workshops every two years. 

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2457(a) & (b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Each assistant election officer shall be sworn prior to entering on the performance of his or her duties. 

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2454(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

No person shall serve as an election official in any election in which his or her name appears on a ballot 

of the Australian ballot system as a candidate for any office unless he or she is the only candidate for that 

office, or unless the office for which he or she is a candidate is that of moderator, justice of the peace, 

town clerk, clerk-treasurer, ward clerk, or inspector of elections. When an Australian ballot is not used, a 

person shall not serve as an election official during the election to fill any office for which he or she is a 

nominee. 

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2456 & § 2538 (Thomson/West 2006).

Vermont (continued)
155

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Felons, even incarcerated felons, do not lose their right to vote in Vermont. An incarcerated felon must 

register and vote in the last municipality in which he or she resided in Vermont immediately prior to 

incarceration (not where facility is located). There is no prohibition against felons being candidates or 

serving in any local public office in Vermont, so a felon could serve as an election official. 

Vt. Const. Ch. II, § 42 (Thomson/West 2006); Kathy DeWolfe, Director of Elections and Campaign Finance (2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudicated incompetent and not restored to legal capacity.

Vt. Stat. Ann. Tit. 18 §7705(a) (3) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No requirements.

Kathy DeWolfe, Director of Elections and Campaign Finance (2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

Prohibited if not of a quiet and peaceable behavior.

Vt. Const. Ch. II, § 42 (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

The local board of civil authority that administers elections along with the presiding officer is made up 

of all members of the local select board (legislative body), all justices of the peace, and the town clerk. 

Select board members are elected at March town meeting for either three year terms (or one or two year 

terms if the municipality has voted to have five Select board members instead of only three). Justices of 

the peace are elected at the general election and serve two year terms starting the following February.

Kathy DeWolfe, Director of Elections and Campaign Finance (2006).

Student Election Assistant Statute

The board of civil authority may appoint residents of a voting district who are 16 or 17 years old to serve 

as assistant elections officers in their respective polling places. 

Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 17, § 2454(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Vermont (continued)
156 United States Virgin Islands

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a qualified, registered elector.

18 Virgin Islands Code § 152 (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

18 Virgin Islands Code § 261 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Resident of the Virgin Islands and election district for a period of at least 30 days next preceding the date 

of the election.

18 Virgin Islands Code § 262 (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

District.

18 Virgin Islands Code § 152 (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation considered. The board of elections in each legislative district shall, not later than 20 days prior 

to the day on which a primary or election is to be held, appoint election officers. The Chairmen of political 

parties in each legislative district shall have the right to submit to the board their nominations therefore.

18 Virgin Islands Code § 151 (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

If, at any time prior to the day of any primary or election, a vacancy occurs, the board shall fill the vacancy 

by appointment of another qualified person who is a member of the same political party as that of the 

appointee whose place he is filling. The chairman of such party in the legislative district shall have the 

right, prior to such appointment, to submit to the board his nomination therefore. 

18 Virgin Islands Code § 151 (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

No information available.

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Judges $150, inspectors $125, clerks $100, voting machine monitors $100.

18 Virgin Islands Code § 158 (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

An additional $20 for each instructional meeting attended.

18 Virgin Islands Code § 158 (b) (Thomson/West 2006).
United States Virgin Islands (continued) 157

An additional $10 for each shift worked which shift commences on or after 6:00 p.m.

18 Virgin Islands Code § 158 (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

The election officers shall meet at the polling place to which they were assigned at least one hour before 

the hour for opening the polls on the day of each primary or election. 

18 Virgin Islands Code § 558 (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

No information available on training and certification.

Oath required. 

18 Virgin Islands Code § 153; 18 Virgin Islands Code § 154 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates.

18 Virgin Islands Code §152 (b) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited for ten year period if twice convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of a felony or of a 

crime involving moral turpitude.

18 Virgin Islands Code § 263 (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited for one year period after discharge if convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of a felony 

or of a crime involving moral turpitude.

18 Virgin Islands Code § 263 (b) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if inmate of a public or private institution for the insane and if under the care of a guardian by 

reason of any mental incapacity.

18 Virgin Islands Code § 263 (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

At least one of the election officers and clerks appointed for each polling place shall be fluent in both 

Spanish and English.

18 Virgin Islands Code § 151 (a) (Thomson/West 2006).
158 United States Virgin Islands (continued)

Good Reputation Requirement

May not be directly or indirectly interested in any bet or wager on the result of the election.

18 Virgin Islands Code § 154 (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

No information available.
Virginia 159

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a qualified voter.

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-115 (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age.

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-101; Va. Const. Art. II, § 1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Resident of the Commonwealth and of the precinct where vote. 

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-101; Va. Const. Art. II, § 1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct then Commonwealth. Insofar as practicable, each officer shall be a qualified voter of the precinct 

he is appointed to serve, but in any case a qualified voter of the Commonwealth. 

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-115 (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required. Electoral boards appoint officers of election, if possible from lists of 

nominations filed by the political parties entitled to appointments. Parties file nominations with the 

secretary of the electoral board at least ten days before February 1st each year. Appointments shall 

be made giving representation to each of the two political parties having the highest and next highest 

number of votes in the Commonwealth for governor at the last preceding gubernatorial election. The 

representation of the two parties shall be equal at each precinct having an equal number of officers and 

shall vary by no more than one at each precinct having an odd number of officers. One officer shall be 

designated as the chief officer of election and one officer as the assistant for each precinct. The officer 

designated as the assistant for a precinct, whenever practicable, shall not represent the same political 

party as the chief officer for the precinct. For a primary election involving only one political party, persons 

representing the political party holding the primary shall serve as the officers of election if possible.

Va. Code § 24.2-115 (Thomson/West 2006).

Virginia Attorney General Opinion 06-058, 9/15/06: “It is my opinion that the Constitution of Virginia 

requires a local electoral board, where it is feasible to do so, to appoint officers of election who 

represent the two dominant political parties. It further is my opinion that when it is not feasible to appoint 

representatives of such parties, a board may appoint nonpartisan officers of election.” 

http://www.oag.state.va.us/OPINIONS/2006opns/06-058Jensen.pdf (2006).

Term Requirements 

Serve for a term not to exceed three years or until successors are appointed. 

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-115 (Thomson/West 2006).
160 Virginia (continued)

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Part time possible. The electoral board may provide that the officers of election for one or more precincts 

may be assigned to work all or a portion of the time that the precinct is open on election day. However, 

the chief officer and the assistant chief officer, appointed to represent the two political parties, shall be on 

duty at all times. 

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-115.1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Legislation pending to allow the chief officer and the assistant chief officer to, by joint agreement, excuse 

an officer of election from the polling place for a brief period for a personal emergency.

2006 VA H.B. 1092 (NS) (Thomson/West 2006).

Each election worker is paid at least $75 for a full day’s work. 

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-116 (Thomson/West 2006).

Any person who serves as an officer of election as defined in § 24.2-101 shall neither be discharged from 

employment, nor have any adverse personnel action taken against him, nor shall he be required to use 

sick leave or vacation time, as a result of his absence from employment due to such service, provided he 

gave reasonable notice to his employer of such service. No person who serves for four or more hours, 

including travel time, on his day of service shall be required to start any work shift that begins on or after 

5:00 p.m. on the day of his service or begins before 3:00 a.m. on the day following the day of his service. 

Any employer violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class III misdemeanor. 

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-118.1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Electoral boards instruct each chief officer and assistant in his duties not less than three nor more than 

30 days before each election. Each electoral board may instruct each officer of election in his duties at an 

appropriate time or times before each November general election. 

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-115 (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-120 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No person, nor the deputy or the employee of any person, who holds any elective office of profit or 

trust under the government of the United States, the Commonwealth, or any county, city, or town of the 

Commonwealth, shall be appointed an officer of election. 

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-119 (Thomson/West 2006).

Candidates Prohibited

A candidate may require the removal of an officer of election for the election in which he is a candidate 

by a request in writing on the grounds that the officer is a spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, child, or 

grandchild of an opposing candidate. 

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-117 (Thomson/West 2006).
Virginia (continued) 161

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony, unless civil rights have been restored by the governor or other 

appropriate authority. 

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-101; Va. Const. Art. II, § 1 (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: Pending legislation would add that the general assembly may provide by general law for the 

restoration of civil rights to persons who have been convicted of felonies and who have completed service 

of their sentence including any period or condition of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

2006 VA S.J.R. 307 (NS) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if adjudicated incapacitated unless capacity has been reestablished as provided by law.

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-101; Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-101; Va. Const. Art. II, § 1 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be competent. 

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-115 (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

Must be competent. 

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-115 (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

No information available.
162 Washington

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

No statutory registration requirement. Must either be a member of a major political party qualified to work 

on an election board in the precinct.

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.430 (Thomson/West 2006).

Or must be a properly trained person.

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.410 (3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

There is no minimum age requirement to work at the polls. 

Nick Handy, Director of Elections, Washington State (2006).

18 years of age for registration. 

WA Const. Art. VI, § 1, (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Lived in the State, county, and precinct 30 days. 

WA Const. Art. VI, § 1 (Thomson/West 2006).

For the purpose of voting and eligibility to office no person shall be deemed to have gained a residence by 

reason of his presence or lost it by reason of his absence while a student at any institution of learning.

WA Const. Art. VI, § 4 (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Precinct. Whenever possible, should be residents of the precinct in which they serve. 

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.410 (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required. The political party representation of a single set of precinct election officers 

shall, whenever possible, be equal but, in any event, no single political party shall be represented by more 

than a majority of one at each polling place.

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.420 (Thomson/West 2006).

At least ten days prior to any primary or election, general or special, the county auditor appoints one 

inspector and two judges of election for each precinct (other than vote-by-mail precincts) from lists 

submitted by the chairpersons of the county central committees of the two political parties entitled to 

representation. 

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.410 (1) (Thomson/West 2006).
Washington (continued) 163

By the first day of June each year, the county chair of each major political party shall certify and compile 

a list of qualified precinct residents from the precinct committee’s nominations, add names if there are 

insufficient nominees, and substitute nominees for those deemed unqualified. 

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.430 (Thomson/West 2006).

If the list is insufficient, the auditor may appoint a properly trained person whose name does not appear 

on such a list as an inspector or judge of election for a precinct. 

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.410 (3) (Thomson/West 2006).

If there are sufficient numbers of nominees from the political parties, then the county auditor shall 

designate the inspector and one judge in each precinct from that political party which polled the highest 

number of votes in the county for its candidate for president at the last preceding presidential election and 

one judge from that political party polling the next highest number of votes.

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.410 (4) (Thomson/West 2006).

The auditor may also appoint one or more persons to act as clerks if in his or her judgment such 

additional persons are necessary. Each clerk appointed shall represent a major political party. 

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.420 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

Poll workers are appointed prior to each election. 

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.410 (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

The precinct election officers for each precinct shall meet at the designated polling place at the time set 

by the county auditor. 

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.150 (Thomson/West 2006).

The election officer having jurisdiction of the election may designate at what hour the clerks shall report 

for duty. 

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.420 (Thomson/West 2006).

Judges and clerks of an election are compensated at not less than the minimum hourly wage. Inspectors 

receive the rate paid to judges and clerks, plus compensation for an additional two hours.

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.530 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Before each State primary or general election at which voting systems are to be used, the county auditor 

shall instruct all precinct election officers. 

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.12.120 (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

The county auditor may waive instructional requirements for precinct election officers who have previously 

received instruction and who have served for a sufficient length of time to be fully qualified to perform 

their duties. 

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.12.120 (2) (Thomson/West 2006).
164 Washington (continued)

No inspector or judge may serve at any primary or election at which voting systems are used unless he or 

she has received the required instruction and is qualified to perform his or her duties in connection with 

the voting devices.

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.12.120 (4) (Thomson/West 2006).

As compensation for the time spent in receiving instruction, each precinct election officer who qualifies 

and serves at the subsequent primary or election receives additional two hours compensation.

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.12.120 (3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.490 (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No prohibition, but interference with voter prohibited. No person may interfere with a voter in any way 

within the polling place. 

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.010 (Thomson/West 2006).

This does not prevent the voter from receiving assistance in preparing his or her ballot as provided in RCW 

29A.44.240.

Nick Handy, Director of Elections, Washington State (2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No prohibition, but interference with voter prohibited. No person may interfere with a voter in any way 

within the polling place. 

Wash. Rev. Code § 29A.44.010 (Thomson/West 2006).

This does not prevent the voter from receiving assistance in preparing his or her ballot as provided in RCW 

29A.44.240.

Nick Handy, Director of Elections, Washington State (2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Since registration is not a requirement to work at polls, there is no statutory prohibition against those 

convicted of infamous crimes from working at the polls.

Nick Handy, Director of Elections, Washington State (2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Since registration is not a requirement to work at polls, there is no statutory prohibition against those 

declared mentally incompetent from working at the polls.

Nick Handy, Director of Elections, Washington State (2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

No information available.
165

Good Reputation Requirement

No information available.

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

No information available.

Washington (continued)
166

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered voter.

W. Va. Code § 3-1-28(a) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

W. Va. Code § 3-2-2(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

A person who is at least 17 years of age and who will be 18 years of age by the time of the next ensuing 

general election may also be permitted to register.

W. Va. Code § 3-2-2(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

State and county.

W. Va. Code § 3-2-2(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Generally county for county-wide elections and municipality for municipal elections. Must be a registered 

voter of the county for elections held throughout the county and a registered voter of the municipality 

for elections held within the municipality: However, if the required number of persons eligible to serve as 

election officials for a municipal election are not available or are not willing to serve as election officials for 

a municipal election, a registered voter of the county in which the municipality is located may serve as an 

election official for elections held within the municipality. 

W. Va. Code § 3-1-28(a) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation required for two of three positions in precinct. The two major parties may each nominate 

one qualified person for each team of poll clerks and one qualified person for each team of election 

commissioners to be appointed for the election. 

W. Va. Code § 3-1-30(a) (1) (Thomson/West 2006).

The appointing body also selects one qualified person as the additional election commissioner for each 

board of election officials. 

W. Va. Code § 3-1-30(a) (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

The appointing body also selects alternates equal to a minimum of 10 percent of the required poll clerks 

and election commissioners.

W. Va. Code § 3-1-30(a) (3) (Thomson/West 2006).

West Virginia
167

No later than the 56th day before the election, the parties file their lists with the governing body (county, 

municipal or school board depending on election) and 49 days before an election the governing body 

appoints the poll clerks and commissioners. The governing body fills positions for which no nominations 

were filed.

W. Va. Code § 3-1-30(a) (4); W. Va. Code § 3-1-30(e) (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: Rules differ slightly for municipal elections in municipalities without party executive committees.

Term Requirements 

Poll workers are appointed before each election. 

W. Va. Code § 3-1-30(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Compensation depends on role: 

• Each commissioner of election and poll clerk is to be paid a sum, to be fixed by the county 

commission, not exceeding $125 for one day’s services for attending the school of instruction for 

election officials if the commissioner or poll clerk provides at least one day’s service during an election 

and a sum not exceeding $175 for his or her services at any one election.

• Each alternate commissioner of election and poll clerk may be paid a sum, to be fixed by the county 

commission, not exceeding $50 for one day’s services for attending the school of instruction for 

election officials.

W. Va. Code § 3-1-44(a) - (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Hours: 5:45 a.m. to close of polls. 

W. Va. Code § 3-1-30(j) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

The county holds an instructional program, which includes an audio-visual training program produced by 

the Secretary of State and the State election commission. 

W. Va. Code§ 3-1-46(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

No person can serve as an election commissioner or poll clerk in any election unless he or she has 

attended such instructional program. However, in cases of emergency when no person who has attended 

the instructional program for that election is available to fill a vacancy on the election board, the clerk of 

the county commission may appoint those who have not had training.

W. Va. Code § 3-1-46(c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

W. Va. Code § 3-1-30a (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No information available.

West Virginia (continued)
168

Candidates Prohibited

No candidates on the ballot or official write-in candidates in the election may serve. No parent, child, 

sibling or spouse of a candidate on the ballot in the precinct may serve in that precinct.

W. Va. Code § 3-1-28(a) (3) & (4) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony, treason or bribery in an election, under either State or Federal law, is 

disqualified while serving his or her sentence, including any period of incarceration, probation or parole 

related thereto.

W. Va. Code § 3-2-2(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Prohibited if previously convicted of a violation of any election law. 

W. Va. Code § 3-1-28(a) (6) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if determined to be mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction for as long as 

that determination remains in effect.

W. Va. Code § 3-2-2(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be able to read and write the English language.

W. Va. Code § 3-1-28(a) (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

The county commission may, upon majority vote, suspend the eligibility to serve as an election official in 

any election for four years for the following reasons:

• Failure to appear at the polling place at the designated time without proper notice and just cause;

• Failure to perform the duties of an election official as required by law;

• Improper interference with a voter casting a ballot or violating the secrecy of the voter’s ballot;

• Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while serving as an election official; or

• Having anything wagered or bet on an election.

W. Va. Code § 3-1-28(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

No information available.

Student Election Assistant Statute

Election official trainee: 16 or 17 years old and has meet the qualifications of election officials, other than 

being a registered voter, listed in W. Va. Code § 3-1-28(a). 

W. Va. Code § 3-1-29(a) (5) (Thomson/West 2006).

West Virginia (continued)
Wisconsin 169

9

9

 Legislation is pending that would affect many of the provisions.

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Do not have to be registered, but must be a qualified elector. 

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(2) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

18 years of age. 

Wis. Stat. § 6.02(1) (Thomson/West 2006). 

16 or 17 years of age if high school student qualified under. Wis. Stat. § 7.30(2) (am). 

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Reside in election district or ward for ten days before any election. 

Wis. Stat. § 6.02(1) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

Ward or wards, or the election district, for which the polling place is established. 

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(2) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Vacancies may be filled in cases of emergency or because of time limitations by a person from another 

aldermanic district or ward within the municipality.

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(2) (b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required. All inspectors shall be affiliated with one of the two recognized political 

parties which received the largest number of votes for president, or governor in non-presidential general 

election years, in the ward or combination of wards served by the polling place at the last election. 

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(2) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

If party does not supply a list of qualified members or the list is insufficient, the board of election 

commissioners appoints, or the mayor, president or chairperson of a municipality may nominate, qualified 

persons whose names have not been submitted. Any appointment which is made due to the lack of 

availability of names submitted by the parties may be made without regard to party affiliation.

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(4) (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Parties must submit lists of nominees by November 30th of each even-numbered year, and the board of 

election commissioners or governing body shall appoint nominees from the list by December 31th. 

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(4) (a)-(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Note: Only the city and county of Milwaukee have a board of election commissioners. In addition, 

municipalities, other than cities and villages in counties having a population of more than 500,000, have 

slightly different nomination procedures through their mayor, president or chairperson.

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(4) (Thomson/West 2006).
170 Wisconsin (continued)

Term Requirements 

Two years and shall serve at every election in ward during term of office. Terms begin on January 1st of 

odd-numbered years and end on December 31st of even-numbered years.

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(6) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Reasonable daily compensation. 

Wis. Stat. § 7.03(1) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

State elections board shall, by rule, prescribe requirements for certification for chief inspectors. Chief 

inspector at a polling place must be certified by the board to hold that office. 

Wis. Stat. § 7.31(1) & (2) (Thomson/West 2006).

Examinations may be given to inspectors to prove that qualifications can be met.

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(2) (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Municipal clerks are required to instruct poll workers in their duties.

Wis. Stat. § 7.15(1) (e) (Thomson/West 2006).

Municipal and county clerks are required to assist the State elections board in conducting training.

Wis. Stat. § 5.06(7); Wis. Stat. § 7.10(9); Wis. Stat. § 7.15(11) (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(5) (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

No election officials in first class cities may hold public office other than notary public. 

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(2) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Local government associations recommend that elected officials everywhere in Wisconsin refrain from 

serving as poll workers, even when they are not candidates.

Kevin Kennedy, Executive Director, State Election Board of Wisconsin (2006).

Candidates Prohibited

No candidate may serve in an election in which he is running. 

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(2) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of treason, felony or bribery, unless the person’s right to vote is restored 

through a pardon or by completing the term of imprisonment or probation for the crime that led to the 

disqualification. 

Wis. Stat. § 6.03(1) (a); Wis. Stat. § 304.078(3) (Thomson/West 2006).
Wisconsin (continued) 171

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if incapable of understanding the objective of the elective process or under guardianship 

pursuant to the order of a court under ch. 880, except that when a person is under limited guardianship, 

the court may determine that the person is competent to exercise the right to vote.

Wis. Stat. § 6.03(1) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be able to read and write the English language.

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(2) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

Must be capable and of good understanding.

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(2) (a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

Special registration deputies may be specially appointed by the clerk or board of election commissioners 

for one election only to conduct elector registration only.

Wis. Stat. § 6.55(6) (Thomson/West 2006).

Special voting deputies may be appointed for the purpose of absentee voting in nursing homes and 

qualified retirement homes and qualified community-based residential facilities, the municipal clerk or 

board of election commissioners of each municipality in which one or more nursing homes or qualified 

retirement homes or qualified community-based residential facilities are located shall appoint at least two 

special voting deputies for the municipality.

Wis. Stat. § 6.875(4) (Thomson/West 2006).

Tabulators may be appointed no less than 30 days before any election the governing body or board of 

election commissioners of any municipality, by resolution, may authorized the municipal clerk or executive 

director of the board of election commissioners to select and employ tabulators for any election.

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(3) (Thomson/West 2006).

Student Election Assistant Statute

• 16 or 17 years old;

• Enrolled in grades 9 to 12 in a public or private school;

• At least 3.0 GPA; and

• The approval of parent or guardian and principal of the school attending. 

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(2) (am) (Thomson/West 2006).

A pupil appointed as an inspector shall serve only for the election for which he or she is appointed. This 

shall not be construed to limit the number of times a pupil may be appointed as an inspector.

Wis. Stat. § 7.30(6) (am) (Thomson/West 2006).
172 Wyoming

State Registration Requirement 

(Exceptions may be found in Student Election Assistant category)

Must be a registered elector.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-8-101(b) & (c) (Thomson/West 2006).

Age Requirement

16 years of age, but no more than one person under age 18 may be appointed as election judge for each 

precinct.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-8-102; Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-8-106 (Thomson/West 2006).

18 years of age to vote.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-3-102(a) (ii) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Place and Term Required for Voter Registration

Bona fide State resident.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-3-102(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Residency Requirement for Service (State, County or Precinct) 

County. 

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-8-101(b) (Thomson/West 2006).

Affiliation with Political Party Requirement and Process for Nomination as Poll 

Worker 

Affiliation generally required. Judges and members of counting boards shall be divided between the 

participating political parties as nearly equal as possible. 

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-8-109 (Thomson/West 2006).

Not later than the third Tuesday of May in each general election year the county chairman of each major 

and minor political party in each county may certify to the county clerk a list of registered electors 

residing in the county and affiliated with the party, and a list of persons who are at least 16 years of age 

who otherwise meet all requirements for qualification as an elector, who are willing to serve as a judge of 

election or as a member of a counting board. At the same time, municipal clerks may submit two similar 

lists of municipal residents, without the need to note party affiliation. Not later than June 30th of each 

general election year, the county clerk shall appoint judges of election and counting boards and alternates 

from lists submitted by the county chairmen of the major and minor political parties. If the list of party 

nominees is insufficient, the county clerk shall consider the list submitted by the municipal clerks and may 

appoint any elector otherwise qualified. 

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-8-101 (Thomson/West 2006).

Term Requirements 

Two years or until successor is appointed. 

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-8-103 (Thomson/West 2006).
Wyoming (continued) 173

Compensation and Hour Requirements

Judges of election and members of counting boards shall be compensated for services at a rate to be 

determined by the board of county commissioners at the June meeting and stated on the notice sent to 

each nominee. The rate shall be not less than the State minimum wage. 

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-8-116 (Thomson/West 2006).

All judges and members of the counting board shall be paid not less than $5 or more than $25 as 

determined by the board of county commissioners for attending a school. 

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-8-113 (Thomson/West 2006).

Training, Certification and Oath Requirements

Unless training is otherwise provided to the satisfaction of the county clerk, all judges of election and 

members of counting boards are obligated to attend at least one training school under the county clerk. 

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-8-113 (Thomson/West 2006).

Oath required. 

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-8-115(a) (Thomson/West 2006).

Elected Public Officials Prohibited

Not addressed in statute.

Candidates Prohibited

Attorney general’s opinion, dated May 31, 1990, states that candidates may not work at the polls.

Peggy Nighswonger, State Election Director, Wyoming (2006).

The Effect of Felon Status on Participation

Prohibited if convicted of a felony, and has not had his civil or voting rights restored.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-3-102(a) (v); Wyo. Const. Art. VI, § 6 (Thomson/West 2006).

The Effect of Mental Incapacitation on Participation

Prohibited if currently adjudicated mentally incompetent.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-3-102(a) (iv); Wyo. Const. Art. VI, § 6 (Thomson/West 2006).

English Fluency and Literacy Requirement

Must be physically, morally and mentally competent to perform duties.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-8-102 (Thomson/West 2006).

Good Reputation Requirement

Must be physically, morally and mentally competent to perform duties.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-8-102 (Thomson/West 2006).
174 Wyoming (continued)

Alternative Positions with Different Requirements

None.

Student Election Assistant Statute

May be 16 years old if such persons meet all other requirements for qualification of an elector. 

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 22-8-102 (Thomson/West 2006).
EAC Commissioners

Chair Donetta L. Davidson

Vice-Chair Rosemary E. Rodriguez

Commissioner Caroline Hunter

Commissioner Gracia M. Hillman 

EAC Staff

Thomas Wilkey, Executive Director

Juliet Hodgkins, General Counsel 

U.S. Election Assistance Commission

1225 New York Avenue, NW

Suite 1100

Washington, DC 20005

866–747–1471 (toll free)

HAVAinfo@eac.gov 

www.eac.gov