Want to help North Carolina’s elections run smoothly? How to apply to be poll worker

In recognition of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, election officials across the country are encouraging people to learn about how to volunteer at polling places on Election Day.

Requirements and responsibilities for poll workers vary by state and even county, and in North Carolina applications and training are required. But you can also get paid for your time and efforts.

Here’s what you need to know about being a poll worker in Charlotte:

What do poll workers do?

Poll workers’ duties vary by state and county.

Common responsibilities include setting up polling locations, verifying voter registrations and demonstrating how to use voting equipment.

Available roles in Mecklenburg County include judges, who manage precincts on Election Day, and assistants, who help with setting up equipment, checking voters in and more.

How to volunteer as a poll worker in Mecklenburg County

In North Carolina, poll workers must be residents of the county they’re looking to volunteer in and registered to vote. High school students who are at least 17 years old are also eligible.

Candidates for office and elected officials are not allowed to volunteer.

To volunteer, you first have to fill out an application at ncsbe.gov/democracy-heroes-form. Mecklenburg County also has a downloadable PDF application at mecknc.gov/BOE/PollOfficials/Pages/default.aspx that you can then submit by mail or email.

Those who are chosen to work will have to attend one or more training sessions, depending on the role they’ll serve.

Poll workers are expected to help set up precincts the day before elections begin and work eight hours or more on Election Day.

Do poll workers get paid?

Poll workers are paid in Mecklenburg County, but how much you’ll get depends on your job.

Judges make $150 to $200, while assistants make $50 to $125. Workers also receive $25 for training classes and $15 for helping set up polling places the day before Election Day.

Can you get time off work to be a poll worker?

Some companies will allow you to use paid time off to work at the polls on Election Day. Additionally, some workplaces also allocate employees “volunteer hours” that can be used to cover, among other things, volunteering to help with elections.