Frequently Asked Questions

What do poll workers do?
What is the difference between an Inspector and a Clerk?
How much are poll workers paid?
What are the hours?
When is Election Day?
What if I am bilingual?
How do I know if I am eligible to be a poll worker?
Do you provide transportation for poll workers?
What are the requirements to volunteer my residence or business as a polling place?
What is the stipend for volunteering a polling place?
How do I contact the Election Division?

What do poll workers do?

As a poll worker, you will be asked to set-up a polling place, help sign in voters, issue ballots, and assist with the closing of the poll. There are two different types of poll workers: inspectors and clerks.
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What is the difference between an Inspector and a Clerk?

An inspector is responsible for picking up polling place supplies prior to Election Day, supervising the polling place, closing the polls at the end of the night and delivering the ballots and supplies to a Collection Depot.

A clerk is responsible for helping to set up the polling place, signing in voters, issuing ballots, demonstrating how to use the voting device, and receiving voted ballots back from voters. They also help close down the poll at the end of the night. Bilingual clerks are especially needed to help serve the needs of limited English proficient voters.

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How much are poll workers paid?

Inspectors can earn up to $175 for working on Election Day ($100 for working on Election Day, $50 for picking up and dropping off the polling place supplies and voting equipment before Election Day, and $25 for attending a 2-hour training).

Clerks can earn up to $105 for working on Election Day ($25 for attending a 2-hour training and $80 for working on Election Day).

NOTE: You must work the entire day on Election day to receive training and/or supply pick up pay.
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What are the hours?

Polling places operate from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. All poll workers arrive to their assigned polling place by 6:00 a.m. and end their day after the polls close around 9:30 p.m.
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When is Election Day?

The City of Los Angeles Primary Nominating Election will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

The City of Los Angeles General Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2017.
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What if I am bilingual?

We are especially interested in bringing bilingual poll workers on board. Individuals who are fluent in English and, at least, one of the following eleven languages: Mandarin/Cantonese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Armenian, Farsi, Russian and Vietnamese are strongly encouraged to participate as poll workers.
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How do I know if I am eligible to be a poll worker?

To be a poll worker you must be a U.S. citizen registered to vote or a legal permanent resident, a resident of California, and 18 years of age by Election Day. Students must be 16 years old, a U.S. Citizen or a legal permanent resident, and attend a high school participating in the STAR Student Poll Worker Program.
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Do you provide transportation for poll workers?

No. All poll workers must find transportation to and from their poll location on Election Day. However, every attempt is made to assign individuals to polling places near their residence.
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What are the requirements to volunteer my residence or business as a polling place?

To volunteer your residence or business as a polling place, the facility must have:

At least 15 X 20 square feet

Adequate parking

Meet ADA Accessibility Requirements

Access to a restroom on site for poll workers

Enclosed area with proper lighting (cannot be a tent, patio, open porch, etc.)
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What is the stipend for volunteering a polling place?

The stipend for volunteering your facility as a polling place is $50 per precinct.
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How do I contact the Election Division?

For more information on how to become a poll worker please call: (866) 899-8683 option 1 or (213) 978-0363.

For more information on how to volunteer your residence or business as a polling place please call: (866) 899-8683 Option 3 or (213) 978-0434.
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