County Employee Poll Worker Program
IMPORTANT!
In 2022, Sonoma County began conducting elections under a new election model called the Voter's Choice Act. This model utilizes "Vote Centers" intead of traditional polling places.
What's the difference? First, voters are not assigned to one specific location; they can vote at any Vote Center in the county they choose and still obtain the correct ballot. Second, Vote Centers are usually (but not always) open multiple days, not just on Election Day itself.
Poll workers should be comfortable using computers because many of the tasks at Vote Centers rely on them.
All regular County employees are eligible to volunteer as poll workers on Election Day and/or Early Voting Days without loss of their daily pay. In fact, County employees will also earn a stipend provided to all poll workers!
Much like the "Day of Caring," volunteering to work at a Vote Center can be treated as an alternative work assignment on Election Day and/or Early Voting Days.
This program is available to all regular (part-time or full-time) management, confidential, and represented employees; extra-help and contract employees are not eligible.
There are a variety of duties and training requirements that you may be expected to complete as a poll worker.
Inspectors
Inspectors are "lead" poll workers at the Vote Center. They are responsible for learning and completing election procedures and obtaining supplies. Due to the tasks assigned, Inspectors must have reliable transportation and will be reimbursed for mileage.
Clerks
Clerks are "line workers" in the Vote Center. In addition to helping set up and close the polling place, Clerks are assigned duties that help voters receive and cast their ballots.
Each Vote Center has a Poll Worker Board comprised of one Inspector and three to eight Clerks.
Vote Centers are staffed from approximately 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Election Day and approximately 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Early Voting Days. Although it is a long work day, no modification of County (department) shifts or overtime is available.
In addition to normal County wages, a stipend is provided to Inspectors ($175) and Clerks ($125) to cover incidental expenses.
To volunteer, complete the following steps:
- Download and complete the Request for Leave/Reassignment form (PDF: 77 kB) and submit it for approval. You must get written authorization from your supervisor or manager before you will be accepted as a volunteer.
- After receiving approval to participate, send a copy of the completed Request for Leave/Reassignment form to the Registrar of Voters office. Contact the Registrar of Voters to notify the coordinator that you are approved to participate in the Employee Poll Worker Program.
- Send the original Request for Leave/Reassignment form to your department payroll clerk.
Being a poll worker is a great way to serve your community, take an active role in democracy, and become part of the dedicated team working to make the election process easy and accessible to everyone.
Additional Information
For more information about the County Employee Poll Worker Program, please contact the Registrar of Voters Office or request information by email to:
rov-polls@sonoma-county.org.