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Get Involved & Become an Election Officer
Thank you for your interest in serving as an election officer. If appointed, your current term ends on February 28, 2025. Your assignment will depend on the needs of the County, available funds and staffing requirements.
A registered Virginia voter, who isn’t an elected officer or an employee of an elected officer, can be an election officer.
On Election Day, you must be available to serve from approximately 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. or later (polls are open 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.). If you are also interested in working during the 45-Day Early Voting In-person period, we offer shifts.
Helpful traits to have include; good communication skills, high energy level, enjoying being with people, detail-oriented, and patience. Computer skills are also valuable!
Prior to election day, election officers attend a training to learn the following.
- Set up voting equipment
- Check voter IDs and check names on the Poll Pad
- Instruct voters how to use the voting machines
- Tabulate the results at the close of polls
Normally, new election officers attend a basic training session, plus a more detailed training session along with all the other election officers assigned to their precinct. A stipend will be added to your pay for the training session attended.
Existing election officers attend training prior to each general election, and chief and assistants receive additional training.
The Electoral Board makes every effort to assign you as close as possible to your “home” precinct or to a nearby precinct. However, if your precinct is full, or there is greater need elsewhere in the county, you may be assigned a precinct that is short staffed.
If you are interested in working early voting in-person which operates 45 days prior to every election; please be sure to answer "Yes" to the early voting question on the application.
Election officers are paid for working the full Election Day. Chiefs and assistant chief officers are paid more.
You may also volunteer your time instead of being paid.
Apply to be an Election Officer by filling out the following packet:
Print the packet and complete it legibly then mail or hand deliver to:
JCC Office of Elections
4095 Ironbound Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Scan and email: Vote@jamescitycountyva.gov
Fax: 757-259-4945
Need a packet mailed to you? Or have questions about applying to be an election officer? Contact us at 757-259-4949.