Be an Election Worker

Election Workers are the heroes of democracy who make voting possible. Be an Election Worker!

What's it like to work at a Vote Center?

Working at a Vote Center is rewarding, challenging, and fun. Whether you see voting as a Right, a Duty, a Responsibility, or a Privilege, Election Workers are there to help make democracy possible.

Election Workers ensure that all eligible voters have an opportunity to cast a ballot by helping with voter registration questions, issuing ballots, providing information and election materials, helping those who ask for assistance, and maintaining the integrity of free and fair elections in Yolo County.

It takes a team of people with commitment, dedication, and diverse skill-sets to staff the Vote Centers (VC). There are a variety of duties - customer service, set-up, trouble-shooting voter registration issues, inventory control, line management, use of technology (ballot printing, ballot-marking devices, and ePollbooks), and securing the ballot boxes - just to name a few.

Each Vote Center location needs two inspectors and at least six judges. Inspectors are the lead staff at the Vote Center. Find out more below or apply now.

Election Worker Mission

Minimum Requirements

Judges

Inspectors

APPLY TO BECOME AN ELECTION WORKER

Election Worker Mission

The fundamental mission of all Election Workers is to facilitate the voting process for all eligible Yolo County voters by providing the highest-level quality of customer service, regardless of voter’s race, color, religion, national origin, language, sex/gender, gender identity/gender expression, disability, etc.

Election Workers should assist every eligible voter to easily cast a ballot and ensure each ballot is secured safely until it can be counted. Serving as an Election Worker is an important and challenging job. There are many rules and regulations that must be followed on early voting days and Election Day.

Minimum Requirements

  • Be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident
  • Read and write in English
  • Not be in prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony
  • Complete a mandatory in-person training class prior to the opening of the Vote Centers
  • Complete a self-paced virtual training prior to the opening of the Vote Centers
  • Be at work at your assigned location starting at 9 a.m. until all tasks are completed (Early Voting Days)
  • Be at work at your assigned location on Election Day from 6:00 a.m. until all tasks are completed (approximately 9:00 p.m.)
  • Have reliable transportation
  • For Student Election Workers: be at least 16 years old at the time of the election, be in good standing (with a GPA of 2.5 or above), and have parental and school authorization 

Judges

  • Complete a mandatory in-person training class
  • Complete a mandatory self-paced online training
  • Assist in the set-up of the Vote Center the day before it opens
  • Arrive at the Vote Center at the scheduled time 
  • Open and close the "polls" at the Vote Center
  • Help voters sign in and get their ballot
  • Remain at the Vote Center until all closing procedures are completed
  • Leads in ongoing disinfecting procedures
  • Mobile Vote Center workers have additional duties related to the unique nature of each location

Inspectors

  • Meets all the requirements of a Judge
  • Contact Vote Center facility owners for entry confirmation and details
  • Contact VC judges to confirm completion of the training and daily start time
  • Lead the set-up and opening of the Vote Center, including the verification of supplies and the chain of custody of voting materials
  • Assign tasks, arrange breaks, and mealtimes at the Vote Center
  • Lead the open and close of the "polls" at the Vote Center
  • Lead your team in making sure duties are performed properly 
  • Remain at the Vote Center until all closing procedures are completed on early voting days
  • After the close of polls on Election Day:
    • One inspector stays at the VC to pack all the supplies and equipment with the other Election Workers (judges)
    • One inspector returns the ballots and voting materials to the Elections Office with a second Election Worker (judge)
  • Secures all voting equipment and materials
  • Mobile Vote Center workers have additional duties related to the unique nature of each location