Election Day is coming. Here’s how you can be a poll worker in NC

Ever thought of lending a hand to the democratic process? You can by helping out on Election Day as a poll worker.

Becoming a poll worker, or “Democracy Hero” as the North Carolina State Board of Elections would say, is a great way to make a difference in your community.

Here’s the checklist you’ll need to become a poll worker in North Carolina for the 2024 general election:

1. Check if you’re eligible

To become a poll worker, you need to:

• Be a registered voter in North Carolina or a high school student who is at least 17 years old and in good academic standing (this does not apply for early voting). To check your registration, be sure to check through the Voter Search.
• Not be a candidate, or related to a candidate on the ballot.
• Not an elected government official, a political party officer, or a manager/treasurer for a candidate or political party.
• Avoid working alongside close family at the same polling place like your spouse, child, or sibling.

RELATED: How do you register to vote in North Carolina?

2. Reach out to your county board of elections

Contact your local county board of elections to get an idea on what the specific requirements and necessities are in your county. You can find their contact info on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website. And if you want to know what it’s like to be a poll worker beforehand, you can find a registered Democracy Hero here, from your own county.

3. Understand what a poll worker actually does

As a poll worker, you’ll be responsible for:

• Prepping the voting areas and making sure everything is ready for voters.
• Checking in voters by verifying voter registration, assisting with the check-in process, and handing out ballots. 
• Becoming a voter buddy by helping voters understand how to use necessary equipment like voting machines, directing traffic for curbside voting, and answering questions they might have.
• Keeping the peace for a smooth and orderly voting process, including addressing any issues that arise.
• Closing up shop, securing the polling place, and assisting with the end-of-day procedures.

4. Know the time commitment

On Election Day, you’ll be expected to work from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. For training, you’ll also need to attend about 3 to 4 hours of paid instruction before Election Day to make sure you’re ready to go.

5. Fill out the application and follow up

By becoming a poll worker, you’ll play a crucial role in making sure that Election Day runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. If you’re ready to step up, you can go ahead and fill out the 2023-24 Democracy Heroes form. Just make sure to keep an eye out for any follow-up information via phone or email.

Wrap up

And that’s it! Even if being a poll worker isn’t what you want to sign up for, there are still a ton of ways to get involved in this year’s election.

READ MORE: Getting ready to vote? Here’s everything you need to know.