Election Poll Worker & Student Program

Interested in Working Elections?

Residents and citizens are always needed to work elections, mostly during the even years when we have multiple elections.  If you are interested in becoming an election worker, please contract the Town Clerk, Trudy Reid at treid@wayland.ma.us  

What are the different Poll Worker positions?

Warden
As the Chief Election Official at the polls, the Warden supervises election precinct, oversees performance of election officials, maintains order, ensures adherence to election procedures and compliance with election laws.  The warden works under the direct supervision of Town Clerk's Office, but must be able take initiative and work independently, and maintain a professional demeanor at all times.

Precinct Clerk
The Precinct Clerk keeps a record of all facts relating to the election an notes any usual happenings.  The Clerk works under the direct supervision of the Warden. The Clerk Assists the Warden with general election duties and assumes the Warden's responsibilities in the Warden's absence.  The Clerk prepares all required documents and forms for the precincts.  Strong attention to detail with completing forms and following explicit instructions are necessary.

Ballot Box Attendant 
Supervises the ballot box, assists voters with casting their ballots, ensures ballots are properly read by the voting machine, and supervises voted ballots removed from the ballot box.  Works under the supervision of the Warden, Precinct Clerk, and Town Clerk's Office.  Extensive contact with voters. Strong  interpersonal skills are required.  Specific vision abilities include close vision, ability to read a LCD display, and to adjust focus.  The box attendant must stand during their shift (when voters approach the box) and be able to speak loudly, clearly, and properly instruct voters.

Night Teller 
Duties include working with a partner after the polls close to tally unread ballots and add votes to the final election results.  Must be detailed oriented and  work well with numbers.


Minimum Requirements for All Positions

  • Be registered to vote in Massachusetts;
  • Be available to work Election Day from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. or later;
  • Be able to read and write English, and speak clearly. 
  • Dedication, efficiency, patience and friendliness are assets.
  • Excellent customer service, organizational, and interpersonal skills desired
  • Be an effective communicator
  • Not be a candidate for any office to be voted on at the polling place on Election Day
  • Must provide own transportation to the assigned polling location on Election day
  • Must be able to sit for extended periods of time

Arrival Time
Wardens and Election Clerks arrive at 6:00 AM.  Checkers, ballot box attendants and floaters arrive at 6:30 AM for the first shift, and finish at 1:30 PM.  The second shift for checkers, ballot box attendants and floaters arrive at 1:15 PM, and finish at 8:30 PM or when released by the Warden.  Polls open to the public at 7:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM.  Night tellers arrive at 7:30 PM.
 

Will I be trained to work at the polls?

  • Poll workers, student election worker, and Accessibility Ambassadors must complete a mandatory training.
  • Prior to attending the training, please review the following Election Official Training (see link below)

 How much does a Poll Worker get paid?

Workers are paid hourly.   Hourly rates are listed.  Pay for shifts are approximate.

Position     

  • Wardens - $20.00/hr
  • Election Clerk - $17.00/hr                                                            
  • Election Workers - $15.00/hr - (Check in, Ballot Box Attendant, Floaters, Night Tellers)                      

What are the Requirements to become a Student Poll Worker?
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 54, section 12 permits no more than 2 such election officers [in a given precinct] may be
appointed.

Not more than 2 such election officers may be appointed who: (1) are 16 or 17 years of age; (2) are residents of the commonwealth; (3) are United States citizens when appointed; (4) are able to speak, read and write the English language; (5) have provided a letter from a parent or guardian giving permission for them to serve as election officers; (6) have provided a letter from their school principal giving permission for them to be absent from school to serve as election officers if the election or a training will take place when school is in session or, if home schooled, have provided a copy of the document indicating approval to be home schooled; and (7) agree to attend required training sessions. If an election officer under this paragraph attends a school that encourages or requires community service, serving as an election officer may be considered a community service activity. In no case shall a person 16 or 17 years of age serve as an election officer on the day of an election for more than the number of hours permitted for such a person to work pursuant to section 66 of chapter 149.

If an election officer under this paragraph attends a school that encourages or requires community service, serving as an election officer may be considered a community service activity.

What the Duties of a Student Poll Worker?
Student Poll Workers may work as Check-in, Ballot Box Attendants or greeters.


How many hours will I work on Election Day?

  • Polls are open for voting from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. 
  • If working all day, poll workers are required to arrive at their assigned poll at 6:30a.m. on Election Day and stay until closing is complete, usually around 8:30pm or later. 
  • If working 1st shift, poll workers are required to arrive at 6:30am on Election Day and stay until 1:30pm.
  • If working 2nd shift, poll workers are required to arrive at 1:30pm on Election Day and stay until 8:30pm.
  • The same hours apply for Student Poll Workers.

Is Training Mandatory?
Yes, all poll workers who have been approved to work must attend a training class.  Before attending a training, please review the following PDF here.

When do I get paid for serving as a Poll Worker?
Poll workers will be mailed approximately 2-4 weeks after Election Day.

  • Student election workers are not eligible to receive pay, but will receive community service hours and Certificate of Appreciation.

I've been assigned to work but am no longer able to, what do I do?
Call or email the Town Clerk's Office as soon as possible to be excused.

I missed my training class, can I still work on Election Day?
Possibly yes, if the Clerk's Office is able to arrange alternative training.

Will I be paid for attending training class?
Yes, if you are hired as a poll worker.  If you are a Student Poll Worker, the training time will count towards community service
ours.

What if there is an emergency on election day?
The Warden is trained on an Election Emergency Plan which includes inclement weather, before and during an election, and other emergencies. 
         
Please be sure to let the Town Clerk's Office know if you have a change in address or telephone number (home and cell).