Get Involved!
What would you like to do?
The Wake County Board of Elections always needs capable precinct election officials. If you have questions about becoming a election official, call 919-857-9345 or send an e-mail to elections@wakegov.com.
WHAT DO PRECINCT OFFICIALS DO?
Five or more precinct officials staff each of the county's 198 polling places on Election Day in every Wake County election. Precinct officials perform many duties, including making sure voters are registered, handing out ballots, providing voter assistance, and assisting curbside voters. Becoming a precinct official is a great way to help out in your community and learn about the elections process. Precinct officials receive compensation for working on Election Day and for attending all required pre-election meetings and training sessions.
QUALIFICATIONS
- You must live in Wake County.
- You must be a registered voter in Wake County.
- You must be able to read and write.
- You must not be an elected official in any federal, state, or local government.
- You must not be a candidate for nomination or election.
- You must not hold any office in a political party or political organization.
- You must not be a manager or treasurer for any candidate or political party.
REQUIREMENTS
- You must provide your own transportation to and from the polling place.
- You must be prepared to work all day on Election Day (6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. or later).
- You must be prepared to attend a meeting on the evening before the election to help set up supplies and election equipment at the polling place.
- You must attend all required training sessions.
SPECIAL TRAINING
All precinct officials are required to attend multiple training sessions conducted by the Board of Elections prior to each major primary and general election. Workers receive an Election Manual and related handouts at training session. The training classes cover specific issues related to the upcoming election. Workers receive $20 for each training session they attend in addition to their election day compensation. You must work on Election Day in order to receive compensation for training.
COMPENSATION FOR OFFICIALS
|
|
Election
Day |
Election Eve Set-Up |
Each
Training |
|
|
Chief Judge |
$ 130 |
$ 20 |
$ 20 |
|
|
Judge |
$ 120 |
$ 20 |
$ 20 |
|
|
Assistant |
$ 115 |
$ 20 |
$ 20 |
|
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS & INSTRUCTIONS
- Wear comfortable clothing and dress in layers for optimum comfort to account for varying polling place temperatures.
- Campaign buttons, political jewelry and political slogan T-shirts are not permitted.
- Discussion of politics is not permitted while working at the polls.
- Arrange for enough food and drinks for the entire day.
- Smoking is not permitted in the voting enclosure or on the grounds of most polling places.
- After arriving at the polling place, precinct officials are not permitted to leave until all supplies are packed after the close of polls.
As you can see, your precinct election officials work long hours in demanding conditions to ensure fair and accurate elections. The next time you vote, be sure to thank your precinct election officials for serving!
The Board of Elections recruits high school students to serve as paid precinct officials in most elections. Student Election Assistants receive training and work with regular precinct officials at Wake County polling places on Election Day. It is a great opportunity to learn about the elections process, get involved in the community, and earn money while doing it.
To be eligible, a student must:
1. Be a United States citizen
2. Be a resident of Wake County
3. Be enrolled in a secondary educational institution (includes home school)
4. Have an exemplary academic record
5. Be recommended by the principal or director of the educational institution
6. Have the consent of a parent, legal custodian, or guardian
To learn more, download the Student Election Assistant Brochure and the Student Election Assistant FAQs.
Applications are available from your Social Studies teacher.
Throughout the year, the Board of Elections relies on the assistance of volunteers to help us prepare for elections. Activities include preparing election supplies, poll worker mailings, and absentee materials.
Volunteering is a great way to learn about the elections process and help the Board of Elections provide a positive voting experience for Wake County citizens. Recent volunteers include high school students, senior citizen groups, and assisted living communities.
To learn more, call our office at 919-856-6240 or download a Volunteer Application Form.
The Board of Elections welcomes community support in registering Wake County citizens to vote. There are rules to follow when registering voters, so it is important to read our Guide to Conducting Voter Registration Drives before beginning voter registration activities. Guides and voter registration forms are available at no charge from the Board of Elections office.
Read the Guide to Conducting Voter Registration Drives