08/11/2026
Today is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day!
POLL WORKER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
*If I sign up, am I obligated to be a poll worker?
No. Signing up puts you on a list to be contacted by your county board of elections. The
board will confirm your availability, check if you are qualified, and provide you with
more information.
*How much will I be paid?
The average poll worker earns around $100 to $150, including paid training. You could
earn up to $200 depending on your county and position. Your county board of elections
can provide more specifics.
*What are the next steps if I’m accepted as a poll worker?
You’ll attend a paid training session and then you will be assigned a polling location to
work at on Election Day. If you are sick on Election Day, please contact your county
board of elections ASAP.
*When, and how long, is the training?
The paid training session takes around three hours. Classes are available on weekdays,
weeknights, and weekends.
*How long do I work on Election Day?
Poll workers should arrive by 5:30 a.m. to prepare for the 6:30 a.m. opening and stay
until after the polls close at 7:30 p.m. There are breaks, and you won't have to stand all
day. It’s a long day, but worth it!
*Can I work as a poll worker if I have a prior felony conviction?
Under Ohio law, you cannot serve as a poll worker if you have been convicted of a
felony or any violation of elections laws.
GIVE A DAY FOR DEMOCRACY
The Ohio Secretary of State partners with businesses to offer employees the day off to
serve their community as poll workers. Ask your employer if this is an option for you!
LAWYERS FOR LIBERTY
The Ohio Secretary of State’s office partners with the Ohio Supreme Court to allow
attorneys to earn continuing education credits by serving as poll workers. Additional
information regarding CLE credit can be found here
*Can other professions get continuing education credit?
Certain professions (lawyers, CPAs, judges, realtors, social workers) are eligible to receive
required continued education or continued learning credits for working a day at the
polls. You must provide your association number (attorney number for example) to the
county board when you sign up and sign in on Election Day. The board will then send
the confirmation to your association for you to receive the credits. Contact your
association for more information!
SECOND CALL TO DUTY
This initiative seeks to encourage veterans to continue serving their country by being a
poll worker in the county you are registered to vote in.
YOUTH AT THE BOOTH
Even if they cannot vote, high school students in Ohio, who are at least 17 years old, can
help their community by serving as poll workers. Plus, it looks great on your resume or
college application!
If you're not 17 years old, you can still help and possibly earn extra credit. Confirm with
your school or teacher that extra credit is offered. If so, your county board of elections
will provide verification that you attended training and worked on Election Day. Contact
your county board of elections for volunteer opportunities such as managing lines,
cleaning voting machines or assisting election officials.
STYLING FOR DEMOCRACY
Barbershops and salons can help promote voter registration through this program. Just
hanging the provided poster in your shop can help encourage voters to be poll workers!
WORK A DAY, DONATE YOUR PAY
Nonprofit groups are encouraged to work the polls on Election Day and commit to
donating their pay to a charity of their choice.
