Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this a volunteer position or paid position?

   It is a paid volunteer position, poll workers are paid for service. Election Day poll worker is a paid volunteer position with Fayette County and does not include any benefits (for example: health insurance, paid sick leave, annual leave, paid holidays). The rates are as follows: Poll Mangers - $280.00, Assistant Poll Manager - $215.00, and Clerks - $175.00, two hour required training class : $40.00.

2. What are the hours of work on Election Day?

   All poll workers must report to their assigned polling place by 6:00am on Election Day and remain on duty until the polls have closed and all paperwork is completed. The poll manager and one assistant manager must accompany ballots and memory cards back to the Fayette County Elections office after all the poll activities have been completed. All poll workers should anticipate a minimum 14 hour day, which may include a lot of standing and or sitting in one position.

3. Do I really have to work all day?

   Yes, you have to work all day! Poll workers must be sworn in at the beginning of each Election Day. Once you have been sworn in at the polling place, you are not allowed to leave until all Election Day activities have been completed. If a poll worker must leave during the Election Day due to illness or emergency, their pay may be prorated to the number of hours worked.

4. Do Poll Workers receive training?

   All poll officers and poll workers shall be trained in all aspects of state and federal law applicable to conducting elections prior to each election. No poll officer or poll worker shall serve at any election unless they have received training.

   Those poll worker volunteers,who complete training but then do not work on Election Day, for any reason or are asked to be substitute poll workers on an as needed basis, will be paid for training only.

5. How will I know the training schedule?

   Your Poll Manager will contact you with dates and times of training classes if you have been selected to work at their precinct.

6. I have worked several elections; do I still have to receive training before each election?

   Yes. Regardless of how many times a person has worked as a poll worker, all poll workers are required by law to receive training before each election.

7. If I am working the poll, how do I vote? Can I leave to vote if I am not working at my precinct?

   Poll workers are required to vote prior to Election Day if they are not working their home precinct. Poll workers should either vote early in person up to 21 days before the election at one of the advanced voting sites or vote absentee by mail up to 45 days prior to the election. Please visit our Elections webpage to find details of advanced voting information or obtain an Absentee by mail application.

8. Does the county provide lunch or snacks?

   No. Some precinct workers bring potluck while others bring their own food and snacks. The Poll Manager should coordinate with all poll officials about the issue of food. Election Day poll workers are not allowed to leave the precinct to get food, please plan accordingly.

9. If I am a smoker, am I allowed smoke breaks?

   Poll workers are required to follow the smoking policy of each polling place facility. Some polling place facilities do not allow smoking on the premises. Any scheduled breaks are determined by the Poll Manager.

10. When are poll workers paid?

    Fayette County Payroll issues checks by direct deposit. After the Elections office submits the payroll to HR and they complete their portion, it is then sent to Finance. Please allow approximately three to four weeks from the election date to receive the direct deposit. If you do not receive your paycheck within four weeks, please contact the Fayette County Elections Office.