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1. What do Election Officers do?

Election Officers are assigned to work in their home precinct polling place, but if no vacancies are available, you may be asked to work at another precinct. You may be asked to serve as an alternate to fill in for previously-assigned Election Officers who are unable to serve. 

Their duties include:

• Arriving at the polling place at 5:00 a.m. on Election Day
• Set up voting machines and signs to prepare the polling place for voting
• Processing voters by checking their names off poll books
• Operating and instructing voters on the use of voting machines
• Assist voters as necessary
• Tallying results, securing the voting machines, and closing polling place

Three (3) Election Officers work in the Central Absentee Voter Precinct (CAP) on Election Day. These officers check the names of absentee voters off poll book list and tabulate the absentee ballots.

2. Who can be an Election Officer?

You are eligible if you:
- Are registered to vote in Virginia
- Do not hold elected office or are not the employee or deputy of an elected official
- Enjoy meeting other people and serving the public
- Are detail-oriented, able to take direction well, and not easily distracted

3. Are Election Officers required to attend training?

All Election Officers are required to attend training annually. Training usually lasts approximately 3 hours. Classes are held in the Office of the General Registrar, located in the Historic Clerk's Office (41 Courthouse Lane, Rustburg, VA 24588).

Training schedules and precinct assignments are mailed approximately four to six weeks prior to Election Day.

4. Will I be paid?

Election Officers are paid a stipend for working the election. Training pay is in addition to Election Day pay. For more details on how individuals may serve as an Election Officer, please download the

2014 Election Officer Application (PDF).