
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday that is also a National Day of Service – a day where all people are encouraged to service their communities.
I had the privilege of working as an Election Day poll worker in my state of New Jersey this past November, and it was an awesome experience. Being a part of such an important day – a day that many of us take for granted – and watching the community I volunteered for come out in droves for an off-year election (a year when neither a presidential nor midterm election takes place) was inspiring.
I had not been aware of what it took to be a poll worker and how needed competent poll workers are across the country. I want to share a few details on the requirements and perks of becoming a poll worker for those out there who, like me, didn’t really have a clue who the people were who signed them in to vote or gave them their ballot ticket for the machine.
But first thing’s first – let’s get you registered!
How to Register to Vote
By exercising your right to vote, you are participating in the democratic process. You have the power to elect leaders who share your morals and beliefs and will enact change on your behalf. When voting, we also tell our leaders how we want our tax dollars spent. Voting is without a doubt our most important responsibility as citizens.
You can begin the voter registration process here. “How do I register to vote?” was the 9th most asked question on Google in 2023 (in a non-presidential year!). Luckily for those searching, it’s relatively simple to start the registration process and be on your way to voting.
I recommend you register early and not wait until November is around the corner as it can take a little time for your registration to be effective. There are also several primary elections already happening – the Iowa caucus (the first of all the primary elections) is January 15th and primaries will continue throughout the year.
Note: If you have recently moved or you aren’t sure if you’re registered to vote, you can verify your voter registration status here.
How to Become an Election Day Poll Worker
All states and territories have different requirements for becoming an Election Day poll worker. You can start here to view generic info on becoming a poll worker from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s website and then travel here to see the laws of each state. Most states have the following laws…
- Minimum age requirement of 18. Some states allow student interns as young as 16.
- Residency. Some states only require you to be a resident of the state while others require residency of the county or district you’re working in. Some also require a minimum amount of time one has been a resident.
- You must be registered to vote.
- You must declare a party affiliation in most states. Undeclared/Independent voters may be utilized if there is a volunteer shortage.
- A training course is required. I took a 3 hour class where we learned rules/laws and how to work the voting machines and ipads for sign in.
- Elected public officials or those running for office in that election/district are prohibited from being an Election Day poll worker.
Why Would I Want to be an Election Day Poll Worker?
Now that I have informed you of all the rules and training, let’s talk about some of the perks or reasons to want to be a poll worker.
- You get paid! Yes, that’s right, paid. All states have different compensation laws, so check out what your state’s compensation law includes.
- You make a difference. Our democracy will not continue to function without free and fair elections, and I felt like I made such an impact on Election Day. I helped people to use their voice for the benefit of their towns and communities – can there be anything better?
- You will understand how Government works a little better. I learned a ton during my training of what I could and could not say to prospective voters, what I could ask for by law, what I could help with. The experience gave me a better understanding of how the voting process works.
Go Make a Difference!
Now that you have all of the information needed to perform your civic duty, go do it! Register to vote, become educated on the issues that our country and world are facing, use your voice for positive change and go out into your communities and serve others.