Work the Polls
The City of Manchester relies on the hard work of our Election Officials for the conducting of secure and smooth elections. Working the polls is a rewarding experience that helps further and strengthen our democracy.
Election Officials are required to attend a training session offered by the Office of the City Clerk specific to their role in the polling place prior to each election. Specific roles include Greeter, Deputy Registrar, and Ballot Inspector (more details of each role can be found below).
Though the polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the average day for an Election Official starts at 5:00 a.m. and ends around 9:30 p.m. Partial day work may be considered.
Election Officials are compensated for their work with a stipend of $280.
Qualifications
Must be:
- a registered voter*,
- able to attend a training session offered by the Office of the City Clerk prior to each election you work and,
- able to transport yourself to and from the polling place on Election Day.
- willing and able to adhere to the Poll Worker Code of Conduct.
*17-year olds who are not registered voters are eligibile to work the polls as Greeters.
Training
All Election Officials must complete a training specific to their role in the polling place prior to the election they are assigned to work. Training is offered both in-person and online. Online training is available on the online learning platform, Moodle, and can be accessed by anyone interested in learning more about each role in the polling place as a guest user. Click here to access the online Election Official training.
Election Day Roles
Greeter
- Directs registered voters with a photo ID to the checklist line.
- Directs registered voters without a photo ID to complete a Challenged Voter Affidavit.
- Directs unregistered voters to the Deputy Registrars to register to vote.
- Must be a minimum of 17-years old.
Deputy Registrar
- Registers citizens to vote and approves voter name changes.
- Rules on any voter who has been challenged due to age, domicile, or citizenship.
- Reports the number of voters registered on Election Day and the total number of voters that have elected to return back to Undeclared.
Ballot Inspector
- Checks-in voters on Poll Pads and marks the paper checklist indicating voters who participated in the Election noting any name and address changes to their registration.
- Hands out ballots to checked-in voters.
- Performs duties as directed by the Moderator.
- Participates in the counting procedures Election night.
- Must work in the Ward in which you are registered.
Click here for a printable Election Official Application that can be submitted to the Office of the City Clerk by mail or in-person.