The elections process involves an enormous amount of people working at the polling places and working in the Board of Elections office doing a variety of jobs. Do you want to help? Here is what you need to know:
Election Day Precinct Officials can be recommended by the political parties and are appointed by the
Board of Elections for a two-year term; beginning in August of odd-numbered years and every two years
thereafter.
Each polling place is staffed with a CHIEF JUDGE, two JUDGES and some ASSISTANTS. The Board of
Elections appoints the Chief Judge based on political party and staff recommendations. The Judges and
Assistants represent each political party.
Chief Judge
The CHIEF JUDGE is the head precinct official and is in charge of contacting the polling place custodian
and the other officials to make arrangements for each election. The Chief Judge is also responsible for
handling Election Day activities, as well as picking up and returning Election Day supplies before and
after each election.
Judges
The JUDGES work closely with the Chief Judge and are responsible for conducting the election. They
must sign all official documents and resolve any challenges. The Chief Judge assigns all other duties.
Help Desk Official
The HELP DESK Official's sole responsibility is to manage the help desk responsibilities including,
precinct transfers and provisional ballots. The most common scenarios are unreported moves, late voter
registration applications and assisting voters with any questions they may have.
Assistants
The ASSISTANTS serve when needed and at the discretion and direction of the Chief Judge.
Election Staff Assistants (ESA)
The ESA works closely with the Chief Judge and the Board of Elections staff and are responsible for
several precincts on Election Day. ESA’s are required to follow a route truck on Monday prior to Election
Day to ensure correct equipment is delivered and to deliver poll books. An ESA is the first contact for
voting machine or tabulator problems on Election Day. Use of a reliable personal vehicle is required.
Election Staff Assistants must attend required poll worker training plus a required ESA specific training.
One-Stop Workers
Early Voting Officials share responsibilities with checking in voters, issuing ballots, activating the ballot-marking device, managing the tabulator, reconciling the voter applications, and curbside voting during the hours the polls are open for early voting.
Special Information
There are approximately five elections scheduled in each two-year term. (Special Referenda and bond
elections also may be called) The Chief Judge and two Judges are required to work each election.
Assistants are allotted when needed.
Special Training
§163-46 requires all officials to attend training sessions conducted by the Board of Elections prior to each
major primary and general election. The Chief Judge and Judges are issued a Precinct Official
Manual notebook at the required training session. Election Day Precinct Officials are paid to attend these
training sessions in addition to their Election Day compensation. Training sessions are conducted the
month prior to each primary and general election.
Chief Judge | $200 |
Judge | $150 |
Help Desk Official | $150 |
Assistant | $120 |
Election Staff Assistant (ESA) | $220 + mileage |
Judges and Help Desk Officials Required Training | $40 |
Election Staff Assistant (ESA) Required Training | $20 |
Assistants Training | $20 |