WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) announced today, August 1, 2024, is designated National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. This national day of action was established by the EAC in 2020 to raise awareness of the importance of poll workers, inspire greater civic engagement, and supplement state and local election officials’ recruitment efforts across the country. Last year, election offices in 40 states and Washington DC joined elected officials, private companies, nonprofit organizations, and others in this effort.
“Poll workers are essential to our nation’s elections, playing a pivotal role in the smooth and successful experience of voters leading up to and on Election Day. Signing up as a poll worker is an impactful way for Americans to contribute to their communities and help new and experienced voters have a positive experience at their voting location,” said EAC Chairman Ben Hovland. “Through National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, the EAC supports state and local election officials in their recruitment efforts. We hope those who choose to serve this year will be inspired to continue to sign up beyond 2024.”
Depending on the state and locality, poll workers may be referred to as election judges, election workers, or another term. The responsibilities vary as well but typically include setting up polling places, managing the voting steps, verifying voter registrations, and issuing ballots. Poll workers also help voters understand the voting process by demonstrating the use of voting equipment and explaining voting procedures. Local election offices oversee poll workers, including providing training. Poll workers are also often provided compensation. The EAC offers a Poll Worker 101 video on the agency’s YouTube Channel.
“Our elections depend on poll workers whose job it is to help their fellow citizens successfully navigate the voting process,” said EAC Vice Chair Donald Palmer. “For those with the motivation and ability, we encourage them to sign up to be a poll worker today. Poll workers play a key role in our democracy by enabling its citizens to cast a free and confidential ballot to choose their future leaders. ”
While many states offer vote-by-mail and absentee voting options, millions of Americans – including voters with disabilities – value in-person voting options to cast a ballot. An adequate number of poll workers at voting locations on and before Election Day can ensure voters receive the assistance they need and can help provide a positive and smooth voting experience for all.
For more information about National Poll Worker Recruitment Day and ways to get involved, visit HelpAmericaVote.gov. The site features a lookup tool providing links to state and local applications, as well as details and requirements for becoming an election worker.
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The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). It is an independent, bipartisan commission charged with ensuring secure, accurate, and accessible elections by developing guidance to meet HAVA requirements, adopting voluntary voting system guidelines, and serving as a national clearinghouse of information on election administration. The EAC also accredits testing laboratories and certifies voting systems, as well as administers the use of HAVA funds. For more information, visit www.eac.gov.