Poll Worker Application
What is an Election Worker?
Election Workers work at the polls on election day and during early voting to ensure voters are able to exercise their rights in an honest and well-organized manner.
Who can be an Election Worker?
You are eligible if you:
- are registered to vote in Burleson County
- do not hold an elected office or are not the employee of an elected official
- enjoy interaction with the public
- are detail-oriented, able to take direction well and not easily distracted
What are the Required Qualifications of a Student Election Clerk?
To qualify as a student election clerk, the student must:
- Be at least 16 years old on Election Day;
- Be enrolled in a public, private, or qualified home school;
- Be a U.S. citizen;
- Have consent of his/her parent or legal guardian to work the election;
- Have consent of his/her school principal (or parent/legal guardian for home-schooled students); and
- Complete any required election worker training program.
Can a student election worker serve as an interpreter?
Yes. When election workers are communicating with a voter who cannot communicate in English, a student election worker may communicate with the voter in a language the voter and the clerk understands.
Since the Presiding Judge selects their clerks except the alternate judge, how will the judge know which students are interested and available or how to even contact them?
The Secretary of State’s office has an application (PDF) form posted on its website that political subdivisions can use for students to apply to be election clerks. The students can fill out the application, get the required signatures, and send the form to the election administrators who serve the election in which the student wishes to serve. The elections administrator will provide each judge with a list of all eligible student election workers.
Do the school authorities send the election officials student names, addresses, and phone numbers directly? Can the school give out this information without a written approval notice from a parent/legal guardian of the students?
The student will provide all required information directly to the election officials.
The Student Election Worker Application and Permission Slip (PDF, 30k) for students to complete and send to their local elections officials includes a consent section for both parent/guardian and the appropriate school official. The student will be responsible for obtaining the principal’s consent to serve as an election clerk. The student (not the school) provides the information directly to the election officials. The school will not need to contact the election officials. In addition, the student must obtain parental or legal guardian consent on the same application before the student can serve as an election clerk.
When are election days and what are the hours worked?
General elections are held each year on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Primary elections, if held, are always scheduled for the first Tuesday in March in even numbered years. Uniform elections are held on the second Saturday in May. Early Voting begins up to 17 days prior to any election and continues through the 4th day prior to that election.
Election Workers arrive at the polling place at 6:00 a.m. on election days and must remain until the polls are closed and results are called in or transported to Election Central. Polling places for election day are always open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Early voting hours vary from election to election.
What type of people work as Election Workers?
Just about everyone! We have senior citizens and baby-boomers; professionals, self-employed individuals and those that are retired. This creates a highly diverse workforce, just like Burleson County! We are also looking for workers who, in addition to being fluent in English, can also speak other languages, especially Spanish. If you are fluent in another language, please indicate this on your application form.
Are Election Workers paid?
Election workers are paid for the days they work during the election process. Training compensation is also provided to the poll workers.
How do I apply?
Please call us at 979-567-2000 for more information