Become A Poll Worker - Application

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BECOMING A WALTON COUNTY POLL WORKER
(Click Here to go to the Poll Worker Application - PDF)

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Poll Worker and a valued member of our Election Team. Becoming a Poll Worker is a very important decision. It takes commitment, dedication, and the desire to be a public servant. A Poll Worker is a paid position that requires classroom training, online training and disciplined home-study of textbook materials.

Not everyone is suited to be a Poll Worker mostly because of the long hours. You must be at the polling place by 6:00 a.m. on Election Day (5:30 a.m. for larger precincts) and cannot leave until voting has ended and the Clerk releases the workers (approximately 14 hours). Descriptions of the Election Team positions are listed below.

Also, a Poll Worker is required to:

ü be a registered voter in Walton County

ü be able to read and write the English language

ü attend any orientation sessions

ü attend all mandatory training classes

ü pass exams

ü be able to work at least 14-hours on Election Day

ü be a responsible team-player

ü make a serious commitment if hired as a Poll Worker

There are 33 precincts in Walton County staffed by 4 to 20 Poll Workers, depending on the number of voters registered in the precincts.

We try to make sure we have an ample number of Poll Workers hired as Alternates (see description below) who can replace a current Poll Worker who may become ill or face an emergency that prevents them from working Election Day. So, although precinct staff positions may be filled at the moment, life happens, and we must have trained workers available in addition to the precinct staff. Therefore, employment as a poll worker may not be guaranteed to everyone who completes the training. However, we make an effort to rotate staff where it is necessary and appropriate.

The precinct Election Team consists of the following positions:

CLERK ~ The Clerk is the person in charge and is responsible for seeing that the Election Team carries out its duties and responsibilities according to Florida Statutes; is trained in all positions and must demonstrate working knowledge of laws and procedures relating to voter registration, voting system operation, balloting and polling place procedures; problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills. This position pays $120.00 per election plus $15.00 for training. Mileage may also be available for certain circumstances.

ASSISTANT CLERK ~ The person in this position assists the Clerk with his/her duties; is trained in all positions and must demonstrate working knowledge of laws and procedures relating to voter registration, voting system operation, balloting and polling place procedures; problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills; must be willing to take the Clerk’s place, should it become necessary; relieves the Touch Screen or Accu-Vote Operator for breaks or lunch; helps set-up and break-down the precinct; follows instructions of the Clerk. This position pays $110.00 per election plus $15.00 for training. Mileage may also be available for certain circumstances.

ACCU-VOTE OPERATOR (Machine Clerk) ~ This position is responsible for the proper operation of the Accu-Vote ballot tabulation machine (optical scan); uploads the results to the Elections Office after the polls have closed; must be comfortable working with electronic equipment; helps set-up and break-down the precinct; follows instructions of the Clerk. This position pays $110.00 per election plus $15.00 for training. Mileage may also be available for certain circumstances.

TOUCH SCREEN OPERATOR (Machine Clerk) ~ this position is responsible for the proper operation of the Touch Screen (TSX) tabulation machine; must be comfortable working with electronic equipment; helps set-up and break-down the precinct; follows instructions of the Clerk. This position pays $110.00 per election plus $15.00 for training. Mileage may also be available for certain circumstances.

INSPECTOR ~ This position is responsible for processing the voters and issuing ballots; helps set-up and break-down the precinct; follows instructions of the Clerk. This position pays $100.00 per election plus $15.00 for training. Mileage may also be available for certain circumstances.

BAILIFF ~ This position is responsible for maintaining order at the polling precinct; assists voters; monitors the “no solicitation” area; helps set-up and break-down the precinct; follows instructions of the Clerk. This position pays $100.00 per election plus $15.00 for training. Mileage may also be available for certain circumstances.

ALTERNATE/STANDBY ~ This position fills in for someone who is unable to work; if not assigned prior to Election Day, will be on stand-by from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. during Election Day; is available to work any precinct, which will normally be located on the side of the County where you live.

FIELD DEPUTY ~ There are several experienced clerks who serve as Election Day troubleshooters. These clerks are assigned an area of the county and answer questions, deliver supplies, and assist teams. Employees of the SOE office may also serve in these positions on Election Day. SOE employees will be dispatched throughout the county to handle any major problems with election equipment. This position requires extensive training and knowledge of voting equipment, rules and procedures, and all polling places.

If you wish to apply to become a Poll Worker, please click on the link below. Print and mail or drop-off the application to our Main Office.
If you have any questions, please email mesryan@co.walton.fl.us or call 850-892-8112.

Walton County Poll Worker Application (PDF)