Serve our democracy as a Placer County poll worker

Published on September 21, 2016

Can’t get enough of this year’s election? The best seats in the house on Election Day are still available - and we’ll pay you to take them.

It takes more than 1,600 poll workers to staff Placer County’s polling sites each election, and our office of elections is now accepting applications for all positions for the Nov. 8 presidential general election. It’s a great chance to give back to the community, be a part of the excitement of our democratic process and earn a little money, too.

“Voting is our most important responsibility as citizens,” said Ryan Ronco, Placer County clerk-recorder-registrar of voters. “As a poll worker, you make it possible for all of us to exercise our right to vote. It’s an honorable - and a fun - thing to do.”

Poll workers must be at least 18 years old (unless participating in the student poll worker program), be registered to vote in California or a permanent legal resident of the United States, provide their own transportation and be able to work from 6 a.m. to around 9 p.m. on the day of the election.

Poll worker duties include opening and closing polling sites, verifying voter names on election rosters and issuing and collecting ballots. Pay ranges from $85 to $100. Volunteers earn an additional $20 for attending poll worker training, required for certain positions.

Volunteering can be a great fundraising opportunity for service clubs or community organizations. Staffing an entire precinct can earn a group up to $730.

For more information or to apply online, visit the Placer County elections website or call the office of elections at 530-886-5650 or 1-800-824-8683.