Copyright 2023 by Forsyth County, Georgia

Poll Workers

How to Become a Poll Worker in Forsyth County

Would you like to serve your community, meet your neighbors, and take an active part in the election process? Forsyth County is seeking personable, energetic people to staff the polls. Forsyth County residents from all backgrounds are needed to serve as poll workers. Working as a poll worker can be a fun and rewarding experience. The job is important and allows citizens to participate in one of our most cherished freedoms.

Learn more!

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF A POLL WORKER?

Requirements:

  • Must be a judicious, intelligent and upright citizen of the Unites States
  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • Must be a resident of Forsyth County or a County employee
         (exceptions for residents in adjoining counties)
  • Must be able to read, write and speak the English language
  • Must be able to attend required training
  • Must not be a candidate or relative of a candidate on the ballot in the precinct in which they work
  • Must not be convicted of a felony (unless voting rights have been restored) and ten years have elapsed
  • Must not be a spokesperson for a party, candidate or issue on the ballot

 

Skills:

  • Possess good “people skills” and ability to work with diverse personalities.
  • Communicates well with others.
  • Detail oriented.
  • Computer, internet, and general technology experience is a plus. 
  • Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.

WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF A POLL WORKER?

Report for work no later than the assigned time. 

  • On Election Day:
  • On Election Day, poll workers are required to be present no later than 6am (and sometimes earlier). 
  • On Election Day, Polls open at 7am and close at 7pm; however, any voters that are in line at 7pm will be allowed to vote.  Workers are required to remain until all voting is complete, all of the paperwork is completed and signed, and all poll materials are packed up.  Your Poll Manager will dismiss you when all tasks are completed; generally, after 8pm on Election Day (and sometimes much later).
  • During Advance Voting:
  • Poll workers are required to be present no later than 1 hour before the scheduled start time which varies by election.
  • Poll opening and closing times vary by election during Advance Voting.  Just as on Election Day, poll workers are required to remain until all voting is complete, all of the paperwork is completed and signed, and all poll materials are packed up.  Your Poll Manager will dismiss you when all tasks are completed; generally, at least an hour or so after the polls officially close for the day.
  • Direct voters through the voting process and answer questions when needed.
  • Be flexible: you may not be assigned to work at the same location every election or perform the same duties each time.
  • Provide the best first and last impression of the poll and the electoral process to the voter.
  • Dress should be work casual with comfortable shoes.  T-shirts/graphic tees, blue jeans, shorts, athletic wear/sweat suits, flip-flops or clothing with any reference to candidates, campaigns, or political parties are not allowed.  

IS TRAINING PROVIDED?

Yes, you will be required to complete in-class training prior to each Primary and General Election. This is mandatory for all poll workers.

WHAT JOB POSITIONS ARE THERE AT THE POLLS?

Per Georgia Election Code, at least one poll manager and two assistant managers are required to serve at each polling location each day of voting; an unlimited number of clerks will be assigned. As a new poll worker, you will begin as a clerk. Clerks serve as greeters, line monitors, touchscreen monitors, scanner monitors and exit monitors. Experienced poll workers may be assigned to serve in the role of assistant manager or poll manager. The poll manager and assistant managers are tasked with ensuring the polling place is operating according to election code and have additional paperwork responsibilities. 

IS THIS A VOLUNTEER OR PAID POSITION?

Many Forsyth County poll workers volunteer their time at the polls; however, the position of poll worker can be a paid position (high school students can serve as non-paid volunteers).  Poll workers are considered seasonal employees of Forsyth County. The pay scale is per diem based on job classification (manager, assistant manager or clerk). The per diem rates for Advance Voting may vary from those rates set for Election Day, as Election Day voting hours are generally set for longer hours than those set for Advance Voting.  Advance Voting hours are set by the Forsyth County Board of Voter Registrations and Elections prior to each election cycle.  Per diem poll worker pay rates are available prior to the start of each election cycle. 

WILL I BE ALLOWED TIME TO GO VOTE AT MY POLLING PLACE ON ELECTION DAY?

Poll workers are not able to leave their assigned polling place during Election Day. Unless you happen to be assigned to the precinct in which you are registered to vote, we encourage all our poll workers to take advantage of early voting and/or absentee voting by mail. Poll worker assignments are based on need and each poll worker is placed where most needed on Election Day. There are no guarantees that you will be assigned to the same polling place each election, or to the precinct in which you live, or that your next assignment will be the same as your last.

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR MORE INFORMATION?

Please submit the poll worker interest form at the bottom of this page and someone from our office will contact you.


You may also come in person to the Forsyth County Voter Registrations & Elections Office, located at 1201 Sawnee Dr., Cumming GA 30040, to let us know you are interested in becoming a poll worker.  

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I CONTACT YOUR OFFICE?

  • Contact our office to express your interest in becoming a poll worker in a future election. 
  • Our office will email you with an invitation to an upcoming poll worker orientation session.
  •  Attendance at an orientation session is voluntary and unpaid. The session consists of a brief presentation with more details about the roles, responsibilities, and requirements of becoming a poll worker, as well as an opportunity for us to meet each other.

Interested in being a poll worker? Submit the form below and our office will contact you!