What is a Precinct Official?
It takes over 300 precinct officials to staff the polling places for an election.
Precinct officials operate the polls during early voting and on Election Day by providing services such as setting up the voting equipment, checking in voters, processing ballots, assisting voters with special needs, and closing down/securing the voting site at the end of the day.
Are you qualified?
A poll worker must:
- Be 18 and a registered voter in Brunswick County
- Have great communication and customer service skills
- Not currently be an office-holder, candidate or near relative of a candidate, or treasurer of an open committee
- Not currently be an official of a political party, including precinct party officials
- Be able to work the entire day on Election Day—6:00 am until at least 8:30 pm—this may involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time
- Have moderate computer skills—we use electronic poll books and online learning!
- Have an active, individual, regularly checked email account—we rely on electronic communication!
- Attend orientation and successfully complete online learning and computer readiness class
Why Serve?
- Earn at least $150 for Election Day
- Paid training provided
- Have a better understanding of the elections process
- Serve your community
- Add experience to resumes and school applications
Election Day Precinct Officials
The Election Day polling place management team consists of one chief judge and two judges. These three individuals are recommended by the county political parties and are appointed to 2-year terms that begin in August of odd-numbered years.
2021-2023 Precinct Official Appointments (PDF)
- CHIEF JUDGE: The chief judge is in charge of the polling place. He/she is typically of the same political party as the governor.
- JUDGES: The two election judges assist the chief judge. There is typically one judge from each major political party.
- ASSISTANTS: In addition to the 3-person management team, the success of the polling place also depends on election assistants. Assistants perform various, vital functions in the polling place under the direction of the chief judge. The number of assistants varies depending on the anticipated turnout for each election.
Election day shifts begin and 6:00 am and usually end around 8:30 pm (once all votes have been counted and documents signed). To serve on Election Day you must be able to work the whole day.
2022 Primary Election Day Judges (may have substitutions from original appointments)
One-Stop Early Voting Officials
The time frame for One-Stop voting is the third Thursday before an election through the Saturday before an election. The shifts for One-Stop voting are anywhere from 7-9 hours depending on the election.
Student Election Assistants
Student Election Assistants serve at polling places on Election Day and facilitate the voting process.
What are the duties of a Student Election Assistant?
• Must attend a remote training class and a three-hour, in-person workshop at the Board of Elections office. We will offer evening sessions to accommodate school schedules. Other sessions are available during the day.
• May be asked to help set up the polling place the Monday before Election Day
• Must arrive to work at the polling place by 6:00 a.m. and remain there until approximately 8:30 p.m.
What are the benefits?
• Looks great on resumes and college applications!
• Earn at least $180 for attending the mandatory training session and working election day.
• Learn more about the voting process and serve your community.
Qualifications
- Be a United States Citizen
- Be at least 17 years old by Election Day
- Be a resident of Brunswick County
- Be enrolled in a public or private high school or home school
- Be in good academic standing
- Have permission from a parent, guardian, or legal custodian
- Have permission from your school principal or director
- Be able to participate in at least one virtual training session and one in-person training session
How do I sign up?
Complete the application and return it to the Board of Elections. You will be contacted in early September regarding training for the 2022 General Election. The application can be returned by email. After receiving your application, we will reach out to you with additional information about training.
Learn More - Attend a Free Information Session
The first step to becoming a poll worker is to attend Poll Worker Orientation. This free, no-obligation, informational session is your introductions to elections and what it takes to make elections happen in Brunswick County. Learn about elections, voting, operations and what it takes to be one of our most valuable assets – a poll worker!
Join us for a virtual session of Poll Worker Orientation via ZOOM on Thursday, February 24 at 6 PM!
To register to attend the upcoming session on ZOOM, click here.
Sign-Up to Serve as a Precinct Official
If you are interested in serving as a poll worker, please complete the form below and someone from our office will contact you.
