Poll Worker Information

1. What are the steps in becoming a poll worker?

 First, you must be a registered voter in Duval County. Second, complete the Poll Worker application online and submit it. We will then activate you in the system so you can register for a class. State law requires poll workers to attend training class prior to each election.

Poll Worker Application 

2. What are the different poll worker positions?

Precinct Managers are the polling site managers. They coordinate all activities of the other poll workers. They contact their staff prior to the election to ensure they will be available to work. They pick up and return election supplies, ballots, and equipment.

Assistant Managers help the Manager administer polling site activities. Managers and Assistant Managers must have at least two elections experiences to apply for the position.

Inspector Technicians are responsible for assisting in the set-up of the precinct. They check in voters using the Electronic Voter Identification unit or (EViD). They issue ballots to voters at the ballot station. An Inspector Tech is also at the DS200 tabulation machine where voters actually cast their ballot. Precincts are generally staffed with at least 4 and up to 9 Inspector Techs.

Deputies are stationed outside the voting facility to greet voters and maintain an orderly flow of voter traffic. They also ensure that political activities outside the polling site meet legal requirements.

3. Is this a volunteer position?

No. Poll workers are paid for their services. Currently, the rate of pay per election is:

4. What are the hours of work?

All poll workers must be at their assigned polling place at 6:00 a.m. on election morning. The day ends after 7:00 p.m. or when the last voter has left the precinct. Additional time will be required for reconciliation, equipment tear-down and clean-up. All precinct staff must remain at the precinct until released by their manager.

5. Are there other requirements?

Yes. All poll workers must complete two to four hours of classroom training prior to each election and pass a short test. In addition, you must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and be able to work Election Day from 6:00 a.m. to approximately 8:00 p.m. without leaving the precinct. You may be assigned to a precinct which is not near your home, so having your own transportation may be needed. An email account is required. Most Managers contact their team via email.

6. What happens after I have attended training?

After you have successfully completed training, your name will be placed on our active list of poll workers. As positions become available, your Precinct Manager will contact you. 

7. Once I have applied previously as a poll worker, should I apply again?

As long as you are an active poll worker, you do not have to apply again. If you have worked the polls on Election Day in the past, your record will remain active. 

8. Will poll workers be placed in the precincts where they live?

We try to assign poll workers to a precinct near where they live. However, the law requires political party diversity at each precinct, so poll workers are often asked to work in precincts which may be some distance from where they live.