City Hall

Working at the Polls

Get involved!

The strength of a democracy depends upon the level of involvement of its citizens. The City of Winchester urgently needs citizens to serve as election officers in its 5 precincts, which includes the Central Absentee Precinct, for each Election. It is a rewarding way to participate in your government and help us to ensure a fair and well-organized voting process.

Am I qualified?

  • You must be a registered voter in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • You cannot hold elected office or be the employee of an elected official.
  • You must enjoy meeting people and serving the public.
  • You must be able to take direction, pay attention to detail and not be easily distracted.
  • You must be available to work the entire day on Election Day.

What will I be doing?

  • arrive at the polling place at 5:00 a.m. on Election Day and remain until all tallies have been completed.
  • set up voting equipment and prepare the polling place for voting.
  • process voters by checking names on list of registered voters.
  • admit voters to voting machines.
  • tally results, secure voting machines and close the polling place

Central Absentee Precinct (CAP) Officers

  • check absentee voters' names with Pollbook.
  • process absentee ballots.
  • tally results and close polling place.

Stand-by (Alternate) Officers

May be called prior to Election Day to fill in for officers who cannot serve.

What will I be paid?

Election Officers are paid from $100 to $140 per day.

Where will I be working?

Whenever possible, Election Officers are assigned to their "home" precinct. However, if there are no vacancies at your polling place, you may be assigned to another precinct or asked to work in the Central Absentee Precinct (CAP). Unassigned officers are asked to serve as "stand-bys" to fill in for scheduled officers who cannot serve.

Yes, I would like to apply to help out!

E-mail or call us at (540) 545-7910. Your name and phone number will be given to a member of the Winchester Electoral Board who will contact you about becoming an Officer of Election.