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Welcome to the Virginia Department of Elections

How can we help you today?

Virginia Counts on poll workers.

Officers of Election/poll workers help the election run smoothly during early voting and on Election Day. Roles are based on the needs and staff availability in your location. They may include:

  • Greeter
  • Pollbook Officer
  • Ballot Officer
  • Voting Equipment and Booth Officer
  • Chief Officer
  • Assistant Chief Officer
  • Electoral Board

Many people have questions about being an Officer of Election/poll worker. Find answers to the most frequently asked questions below.

You should arrive early and be prepared for your day. In Virginia, polls are open from 6 AM until 7 PM unless hours are extended by court order.

During the day you will fulfill your responsibilities and help neighbors as they cast their votes. When polls close, you will assist in securing equipment and ballots, complete paperwork and pack up materials and supplies.

The application process is the first step. An Officer of Election/poll worker must be a competent citizen and a qualified voter of the Commonwealth and complete an application.

Electoral boards appoint Officers of Election/poll workers from a list of nominations filed by the political parties.

Yes. All Officers of Election/poll workers will be trained before Election Day.

Officers of Election/poll workers are appointed for a term not to exceed 3 years.

Payment amounts may depend on your appointment and locality. Not all Officers of Election/poll workers get paid.

Polll Workers Count graphic

Did you know?

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 3 misdemeanor. § 24.2-119.1