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Poll worker requirements in California

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A poll worker is an individual temporarily hired by a local government to help facilitate voting on an election day. According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, "Most jurisdictions task election workers with setting up and preparing the polling location, welcoming voters, verifying voter registrations, and issuing ballots. Poll workers also help ensure voters understand the voting process by demonstrating how to use voting equipment and explaining voting procedures."[1]

States have different laws and requirements for poll workers. This page contains information on laws and requirements for poll workers in California. Click here to learn about poll worker laws and requirements in all 50 states.

California poll worker laws and requirements

The following requirements are current as of October 2024.

Does California require poll workers to be registered to vote?

Yes. California law requires poll workers to be registered voters, although up to five qualified non-voters per precinct may also serve as precinct board members.[2][3]

Can individuals under 18 serve as poll workers?

Yes. California allows a maximum of five students who are at least 16 years old per precinct to serve as poll workers.[2][3]

Are poll workers bound by a residency requirement in California?

Yes. Poll workers must be state residents.[2][3]

Does California law have a political party distribution requirement for poll workers?

No. California law does not require partisan distribution of poll workers. However, county election officials are required to give preference to each party’s nominees when appointing precinct board members.[2][3]

Are poll workers required to work a full shift?

California does not specify whether poll workers can work half-day or split shifts.[2][3]

Does the law require poll workers to undergo training?

Yes. California law requires officials to provide training to inspectors concerning their duties. The instruction must conform to the secretary of state's uniform standards.[2][3]

Are poll workers paid in California?

Yes. Local election officials determine the rate of compensation for poll workers.[2][3]

Can poll workers serve as unpaid volunteers in California?

California law does not specify whether poll workers can serve as unpaid volunteers.[2][3]

Poll worker laws and requirements by state

As of October 2024:

  • 45 states require poll workers to be registered to vote.
  • 45 states allow individuals under 18 to serve as poll workers.
  • 46 states have a residency requirement for poll workers.
  • 41 states have a political party distribution requirement for poll workers.
  • 6 states require poll workers to work a full shift.
  • 44 states require poll workers to undergo training.
  • 46 states pay poll workers.
  • 9 states allow poll workers to serve as unpaid volunteers.[2][3]

The map below shows poll worker requirements across the country. Click the blue links to switch between individual requirements.

The following table shows poll worker laws and requirements in all 50 states. Click on a state to learn more.

Poll worker laws and requirements by state
State Are poll workers required to be registered to vote? Can poll workers be under 18? Are there residency requirements for poll workers? Are there political party requirements? Are poll workers required to work a full shift? Are poll workers required to undergo training? Are poll workers paid? Can poll workers serve as unpaid volunteers?
Alabama
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(varies; at least $50)
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Alaska
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(varies; up to $20.50 per hour)
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Arizona
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(varies; at least $30 per day)
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Arkansas
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 Too close to calltc
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(federal minimum wage)
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California
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Colorado
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(varies; at least $5)		 Too close to calltc
Connecticut
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(varies)
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Delaware
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(varies)		 Too close to calltc
Florida
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Georgia
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Hawaii[4] Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc
Idaho
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 Too close to calltc
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(varies; must be greater than or equal to the state minimum wage)
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Illinois
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($35-$60 per day)		 Too close to calltc
Indiana
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(varies)		 Too close to calltc
Iowa
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(varies; must greater than or equal to the state minimum wage)		 Too close to calltc
Kansas
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(varies; at least $3 per hour or $40 per day depending on whether voting machines are used)
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Kentucky
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 Too close to calltc
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(varies; at least $60 per day)		 Too close to calltc
Louisiana
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(varies; between $35 and $350 per day)		 Too close to calltc
Maine
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(varies)
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Maryland
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(varies)
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Massachusetts
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Michigan
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Minnesota
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(varies; at least state minimum wage)
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Mississippi
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(varies; between $125 and $200)		 Too close to calltc
Missouri
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(varies)		 Too close to calltc
Montana
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(varies; at least the state or federal minimum wage, whichever is greater)		 Too close to calltc
Nebraska
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(varies; at least the state minimum wage)
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Nevada
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(varies)		 Too close to calltc
New Hampshire
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New Jersey
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(varies; at least $300 per election		 Too close to calltc
New Mexico
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(varies; at least federal minimum wage but no more than $400 per day)		 Too close to calltc
New York
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(varies; at least $100)		 Too close to calltc
North Carolina
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(varies; at least state minimum wage)		 Too close to calltc
North Dakota
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(varies; at least state minimum wage)		 Too close to calltc
Ohio
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Oklahoma
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 Too close to calltc
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($115-$125 depending on role)		 Too close to calltc
Oregon[5] Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc
Pennsylvania
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(varies; between $75 and $200 per day)		 Too close to calltc
Rhode Island
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(varies; at least $60 per day)		 Too close to calltc
South Carolina
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South Dakota
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(varies)		 Too close to calltc
Tennessee
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(varies; at least $50 per day)		 Too close to calltc
Texas
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(varies; at least federal minimum wage)		 Too close to calltc
Utah
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Vermont
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Virginia
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($75 per day)
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Washington[6] Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc Too close to calltc
Washington, D.C.
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(varies; between $100-$300)		 Too close to calltc
Wisconsin
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West Virginia
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(varies)		 Too close to calltc
Wyoming
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(varies; at least the state minimum wage)		 Too close to calltc


Poll worker legislation in California

Below you will find legislation related to poll workers introduced in the California State Legislature in the most recent session.

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External links

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ United States Election Assistance Commission, "Poll Worker Resources for Voters," February 1, 2024
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 National Conference of State Legislatures, "Election Poll Workers," May 28, 2024
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 U.S. Election Assistance Commission, "State-by-State Compendium Election Worker Laws & Statutes," accessed June 28, 2024
  4. ↑ Elections in Hawaii are conducted mostly by mail. The state, therefore, does not employ poll workers.
  5. ↑ Elections in Oregon are conducted mostly by mail. The state, therefore, does not employ poll workers.
  6. ↑ Elections in Washington are conducted mostly by mail. The state, therefore, does not employ poll workers.
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