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1. How many hours will I work?

Although the average service for a Poll worker is 14 to 15 hours on Election Day, the rewards to you and the community are immeasurable. The polls are open from 6 am to 7 pm. You would be required to arrive between 5 am and 5:30 am to prepare voting materials. Closing the polls and related duties take about an hour and your service would conclude around 8 pm.

2. What are the benefits of serving as a poll worker?

• You will earn approximately $120 for working on Election Day and attending training
• You can receive mileage
• You can help your community by providing assistance on Election Day and helping each person vote
• You can learn the process of how elections work in Arizona

3. What will I do as a poll worker?

• Account for ballots and pack supplies after voting has ended
• Assist voters when signing in
• Help set up the polls
• Issue ballots

4. Where will I serve as a county poll worker?

You will be assigned to a polling place based on where there are critical shortages of workers. Poll workers are either assigned to a polling location:

• Cochise County utilizes 17 Vote Centers throughout the county
• If willing, anywhere throughout the County as needed
• Near their home or office

5. How can I cast my ballot?

Election Poll workers, as well as all voters, are encouraged to participate in the accurate convenience of Voting by Mail or Voting Early.

Elections Page

6. What are the requirements for becoming a poll worker?

• Attend mandatory training prior to each election
• Be a registered voter in Cochise County
• Be able to read and write the English language (bilingual workers are always needed)
• Be able to work a long day
• Be respectful of all voters
• Have a valid email address - we correspond via email
• Have excellent customer service skills
• Have reliable transportation to and from the polls
• Remain non-partisan while at the polls
• Represent the county in a professional manner

7. Is there an age restriction to become a poll worker?

Yes. Students aged 16+ can be clerk Poll workers on election day with permission of parents and school. There are no other age requirements except you must be an eligible (registered voter at the time of the election). For information on voter registration, please see our website.

Elections Page

8. What should I wear on Election Day?

Poll workers should dress in business casual clothing. Ripped or dirty clothing is not acceptable. No sweatpants, sweatshirts, flip-flops, or blue jeans. Polling places can vary in temperature, so we recommend layers. Poll workers may not wear any clothing that supports or opposes a political party, candidate, or ballot question.

9. Will I receive a break while working?

Yes. Timing will depend upon the flow of voters. You are not able to leave the polling location so we recommend bringing food, drinks, and snacks. Many vote centers participate in potlucks.

10. May I use my cell phone on Election Day?

You may use your cell phone during your breaks and lunchtime only. Cell phones should be turned off or on mute the rest of the time. We do require you to step outside the polling location to use a phone.

11. When will I be paid for working on Election Day?

You will receive a check in the mail approximately a month after the election.

12. Why do you need to know my political party?

The State requires party balance at all polling sites. We attempt to staff an equal number of Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, and Independent Poll workers at each site.

13. I have been an election worker before, do I need to fill out a new questionnaire?

A new application is required for each election cycle (approximately every two years). The application form can be filled out and submitted online. You don't have to print and mail it.

14. What’s a vote center?

Cochise County uses 17 Vote Center located strategically around the county where people live and work. Voters are not assigned a Precinct location and can vote anywhere they choose to on Election Day.

15. How do people vote on Election Day?

Voters check-in and show identification to a Poll worker who logs them into an e-pollbook. We no longer use paper rosters. The voter is printed a blank ballot card and directed to a touch screen voting machine. The card is inserted, the voter makes their selections (and corrections if necessary) and the card is printed out for the voter to insert into the onsite tabulation equipment. Pre-printed ballots are not available at the Vote Center. All votes must be cast on the machines.