Still Time to Volunteer as a Poll Worker

Free and fair elections are fundamental to our democracy. Poll workers power our democracy and are needed to keep polling places open, help their neighbors vote, and ensure every voter has access to the ballot box. This November, you can help to ensure the fairness of our elections by volunteering as a poll worker.  

The Election Assistance Commission estimates it takes an average of one million poll workers nationwide to staff a general election in a presidential election year. A critical shortage of election workers nationwide causes long lines and frustration at the polls, endangering the democratic process. When polling places don’t have enough trained workers, voters face burdensome delays that threaten their ability to cast a ballot. 

It’s not too late to volunteer and ACS is recruiting poll workers for Election Day as part of our Poll Worker Pledge and partnership with Power the Polls. Poll workers are still needed across the country especially in key states including California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia. Even in jurisdictions that are getting close to full capacity for volunteers, some election administrators are adding applicants to their waitlists, so they are as prepared as possible to respond to changing needs. 

Research conducted by our partner, Power the Polls, shows that Poll workers almost universally find their experiences positive and rewarding and are eager to serve again. 95% of poll worker respondents in a post-2022 election survey reported having a positive experience. In addition, local election administrators are committed to ensuring elections run safely and smoothly, both for voters and poll workers. 92% of local election officials have taken steps to increase election security for voters, poll workers, and election infrastructure since 2020.   

The responsibilities of poll workers can differ depending on the state and locality, but generally they include answering voter questions, setting up polling places, verifying voter registration, and helping to issue ballots. Lawyers, law students, and folks with election experience make excellent poll workers, but you don’t need to be a lawyer or a voting rights expert to be a poll worker.  

Serving as a poll worker is one of the most effective, nonpartisan ways you can support democracy. Sign the ACS Poll Worker Pledge today to get started. You’ll then be connected to our partner Power the Polls to find out about the specific needs in your community and help you sign up.   

Democracy and Elections, Democracy and Voting