Poll Worker Resources

 Home / Elections / Poll Worker Resources

2/27/2024 Update! The start date for our poll worker training sessions have been postponed until Thur., Mar. 7. The training sessions scheduled for Sat., Mar 2 have been canceled.

POLL WORKERS: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Poll workers form the backbone of American elections, protecting voters’ right to votes and defending the integrity of secure and accurate elections in Delaware County. Poll worker responsibilities include setting up the polling location, checking in registered voters, explaining voting procedures to voters, oversight of voting equipment and ballots, monitoring the conduct of the election and ensuring a “campaign-free zone” inside the precinct.



POLL WORKER HOTLINE

The Poll Worker Hotline (484) 460-3750 handles calls regarding information on: Poll Worker drop-off and pick-up of Election Day supplies, in-person and online training, the Poll Worker test, election board positions, filling vacancies and much more.



FILLING VACANCIES IN AN ELECTION BOARD: VACANCY KITS

Judge of Election and Inspectors vacancies can be filled for the remainder of the term (through Nov. 2025) by submitting the “Vacancy Kit” application. Petition due dates and court hearings for the 2024 Primary are:

   Petititions Due in Office    Court Hearing Date and Time
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 Tuesday, February 27, 2024 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Tuesday, March 5, 2024 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 Tuesday, March 12, 2024 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 Tuesday, March 19, 2024 9:30 a.m.
Note that individuals seeking to fill a vacancy are NOT expected to appear at these Court dates.
Vacancy Kit: Judge of Elections
Vacancy Kit: Minority and Majority Inspector



FILLING VACANCIES THROUGH EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS

Pennsylvania Election Code (25 P.S. §2675) directs that “(c) Vacancies in election boards occurring at any time during the five days immediately preceding any primary or election or on the day of the primary or election may be filled by appointment by the County Board of Elections from a pool of competent persons who are qualified registered electors of the county … Any person appointed to fill a vacancy in accordance with this subsection shall serve as a member of the election board on the day of the primary or election only…”

If you are interested in serving as a member of an election board (aka, working as a Poll Worker), please complete this form.
POLL WORKER STAFF FORM

Note that both new and current Poll Workers must be available to attend one of the County training sessions (in-person and online training is available). The Poll Worker Hotline Team will contact you regarding your emergency appointment within five days of the election.



STUDENT POLL WORKER PROGRAM

The Delaware County Elections Bureau is now accepting applications for the Student Poll Worker Program. This program promotes civic awareness and educates high school students (at least 17 years of age) about the election process by allowing students to serve as paid Clerks or Machine Operators on election day. Students will learn responsibility, teamwork, and leadership while serving the community. Students will be placed in voting precincts throughout the county as needed with a maximum of two students per precinct. Students will be required to attend a training session and will be expected to work their assigned shift.

We urge interested Delaware County High School students to apply.
Download and complete the Student Poll Worker Application/Permission Form

Submit completed form by email at DelcoPollWorkers@co.delaware.pa.us OR submit in person at:
Delaware County Bureau of Elections
201 West Front Street
Government Center Bldg., Ground Floor
Media, PA 19063-2728




THE ELECTION DAY GUIDE FOR POLL WORKERS
2024 PRIMARY ELECTION EDITION

The 2024 Primary Election Day Guide is now available for Poll Workers

Election Day Pole Worker Guide

The Election Day Guide, in addition to in-person training, help poll workers to:

  • Set up the polling place properly,
  • Use the Poll Pads to check in voters,
  • Properly direct voters and poll watchers,
  • Manage a “campaign free zone” in the polling place, and,
  • Properly close the polls and complete your paperwork.

NEW this election:

  • All Precincts will be using the Poll Pad. Instructions for the Poll Pad will be included in the Guide.
  • The Judge will receive and return materials in the Green Tote. There will be NO Blue Poll Bag.
  • Poll Pad check-in tickets will go in the lime-green envelope(s) in the front of the Numbered List binder.

Election Day Guide for Poll Workers - April 23, 2024 Primary Election Edition

Please note that in-person instruction is equally important. We recommend all Judges of Election take in-person training.




IN-PERSON POLL WORKER TRAINING

Delaware County in-person training sessions for Poll Workers will run from late February through the week before Election Day. Please note: In-person sessions and related trainings are coordinated via email. Registration is required. All in-person classes will include hands on Poll Pad experience. Poll Workers are asked to check their email inbox for information regarding training sessions and open houses.

Note: ALL classes will be held in the County Council Room, located on 1st floor in the Government Center Building (201 W. Front Street, Media, PA). Parking guidance will be communicated via email.



Call the Poll Worker Hotline at 484-460-3750 if you have any questions regarding training or training pay.


POLL WORKER AND PAD TRAINING SESSIONS

  • THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024   11:30AM - 2PM & 5:30PM - 8PM
  • FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024   11:30AM - 2PM
  • SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024   9AM - 11:30AM & 12:30PM - 3PM
  • TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024   9AM - 11:30AM
  • SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2024   9AM - 11:30AM & 12:30PM - 3PM
  • MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2024   9AM - 11:30AM & 5:30PM - 8PM
  • SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024   EQUIPMENT OPEN HOUSE  10AM - 2PM
  • TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2024   5:30PM - 8PM
  • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2024   1PM - 3:30PM & 5:30PM - 8PM
  • MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2024   9AM - 11:30AM & 5:30PM - 8P
  • THURSDAY, APRIL4, 2024   12:30PM - 3PM & 5:30PM - 8PM
  • SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024   9AM - 11:30AM & 12:30PM - 3PM
  • MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2024   2PM - 4:30PM & 5:30PM - 8PM
  • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2024   EQUIPMENT OPEN HOUSE  10AM - 2PM
  • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2024   5:30PM - 8PM
  • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024   11:30AM - 2PM
  • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024   EQUIPMENT OPEN HOUSE  5PM - 8PM
  • FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2024   11:30AM - 2PM
  • SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024   9AM - 11:30AM & 12:30PM - 3PM
  • MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024   9AM - 11:30AM & 12:30PM - 3PM
  • THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024   9AM - 11:30AM
  • FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024   6PM - 8:30PM
  • SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024   SUPPLY PICK UP  8:30AM - 1PM
  • SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024   9AM - 11:30AM & 12:30PM - 3PM

Please note the following:

  • Class dates and times are tentative.
  • Class content is subject to change.
  • An email will be sent to poll workers when dates and times are finalized. This email will also include a link for sign up.

Online training is available for ALL Poll Workers, but please note the following:

  • In-person training is required for any Judge of Election who has not completed an in-person training for at least one of the following elections: Nov. 2022, May 2023, Nov. 2023.
  • To receive training pay, a Judge of Election must complete in-person training for this election OR must have completed in-person training for Nov. 2022, May 2023 or Nov. 2023 and pass the poll worker test and serve successfully.
  • A Poll Worker who is newly court appointed must complete in-person training.


ELECTION EQUIPMENT OPEN HOUSES

The Bureau of Elections will hold three Election Equipment Open Houses before the Primary Election. We encourage all poll workers to join us to familiarize themselves with the equipment, and to ask questions about equipment set up, use and shut down. Open Houses are not classes (visit as long or as briefly as you like) as these are opportunities to get hands-on experience with the equipment and ask as many questions of equipment experts as you need.

Open Houses will be Sat., March 23 from 10 am–2 pm; Wed., April 10 from 10 am–2 pm; and, Thur., April 11, from 5 pm–8 pm, all in in the Delaware County Council Room, 1st floor in the Government Center Building, located at 201 W. Front St., in Media.

Poll workers are asked to check their email for details, including information about parking, and can contact the Poll Worker Hotline at (484) 460-3750 with questions.
Note: Attending an Open House does not qualify as a training class and attendance is unpaid.



POLL WORKER TRAINING TEST

The Poll Worker Training Test for the April 23, 2024 Primary will be available in April.

About the Poll Worker Test

To qualify for training pay, all poll workers must pass the Delaware County Poll Worker Test, regardless of experience or participating in online or in-person training. The test is customized to each election. Poll workers will not be paid for training if they do not pass the test and successfully serve on Election Day.

A score of 80% (20 out of 25 questions answered correctly) is needed to pass. The test can be taken as many times as needed to score a passing grade. If a Poll Worker would prefer a hard copy of the test, please contact the Poll Worker Hotline at (484) 460-3750 to make arrangements. To ensure poll workers are rested before Election Day, the test link will be removed at 9:00 pm on Mon., April 22.



POLL WORKER ELECTION MATERIAL PICK-UPS

Election Day supplies are to be picked up by the Judge of Elections, the Majority Inspector, or the Minority Inspector. If none of these individuals are available to pick up the supplies, a designated individual may be used only if this affidavit is completed by the Judge of Elections, the Majority Inspector, or the Minority Inspector. This affidavit allows the Judge of Elections, the Majority Inspector, or the Minority Inspector to designate an individual to pick-up the supplies for the precinct. Without the affidavit, the Bureau of Elections may not release supplies to anyone else. The affidavit may be delivered in person or emailed to the Bureau of Elections.

Judges of Election or their representative will be able to pick up Election Day supplies at the County Government Center in Media on Friday, April 19 (limited spots) from 1:00 to 6:00pm and Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 8:30 am–1 pm.

On Saturday only, Poll Workers should enter via the parking garage on Third Street side of Government Center Building, park their car on Level C, take the elevator to the Lobby on the Ground Floor, and then proceed to the Voter Registration table. On Friday, Poll workers will have to find on street parking.
NOTE:  The Judge (or the Judge’s representative) must present valid PHOTO ID.

Supply Release Affidavit



POLL WORKER ELECTION MATERIAL DROP-OFFS

ALL Election Day material drop-offs will be held at the Government Center Building in Media. Poll Workers should enter via the parking garage on Third Street side of Government Center Building, park their car on Level C, then and take the elevator to the Lobby on the Ground Floor.



Poll Worker Pay

Judge of Elections $150 For each service precinct. Maximum of 2 precincts.
Majority Inspector $140 For each service precinct. Maximum of 2 precincts.
Minority Inspector $140 For each service precinct. Maximum of 2 precincts.
Machine Inspector $140 For each service precinct. Maximum of 2 precincts.
Clerk $140 For each service precinct. Maximum of 2 precincts.
Pick up Supplies $20 Per election officer.
Return Supplies $20 Per election officer.
The supply pay is $20 regardless of how many precincts the election officer is handling.

Online training pay:

$100 for Inspectors, Machine Operators and Clerks who complete online training AND pass the test AND serve successfully on Election Day. Judges of Election may complete online training AND pass the test AND serve successfully to receive online training pay only if  they previously completed in-person training for this election or at least one of the following elections: Nov. 2022, May 2023 or Nov. 2023.

Judges who last completed in-person training May 2022 or earlier will not be eligible for training pay if they do not complete in-person training for this election. If you are not sure of your status, call the Poll Worker Hotline. Online training pay is $50 for those who meet the qualifications above but serve only half of Election Day.,

In-person training pay:

$150 for poll workers who complete in-person training in the weeks before the April 2024 Primary AND who pass the test AND serve successfully on Election Day; $75 for any who meet these qualifications but serve only half of Election Day.



Election Day Machine Setup Training Video

This comprehensive video explains all aspects of set-up and breakdown for equipment used on Election Day, with clearly labeled chapters for each Poll Worker process.

Please note that you can easily navigate back and forth across these 60+ chapters.

Click “SHOW MORE” underneath the video description, then click on the blue timecode that corresponds to the chapter you wish to watch. For example, to jump ahead to the chapter called “Ballot Box Setup”, just click “SHOW MORE”, scroll down, and click the blue timecode listed as 00:10:19.



STATE GUIDELINES ON ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND WHO IS ALLOWED IN THE POLLING PLACE

This helpful document from the PA Department of State provides state guidance on the laws and rules in effect at polling places to help voters, election officials, attorneys, and watchers understand their respective roles, responsibilities, and rights.

State Guidance on Voter Privacy [PDF]



HOW TO BECOME A POLL WORKER

Poll workers are either elected to a four-year term – or appointed. The Judge of Elections and the Majority and Minority Inspectors are elected, while the Machine Operator and Clerk are appointed. If a vacancy exists, eligible voters may be court-appointed to fill out the remaining term as Judge or Majority or Minority Inspector.

To work this election, interested Delaware County voters may submit the application. If there is no vacancy in your area, you may be asked to consider serving in other areas of the County. If you are not appointed during the current election cycle, we will retain your information for future elections.

The Poll Worker Hotline uses email to communicate directly with Poll Workers. To ensure the County has up-to-date contact information, new Poll Workers are asked to complete the Poll Worker Staff Form, accessible through the button below. POLL WORKER STAFF FORM



POLL WORKER REQUIREMENTS

Citizen of the United States and a Registered Delaware County Voter

Must not hold any public office, appointment or employment in the government including municipal, state or county employees.

Must not be a candidate running for public office on the ballot in precinct

Able to read, write and speak English

Physically capable of sitting and/or standing for long periods, hearing voters and writing information

Ability to follow instructions from the Judge of Election

Patiently listen to and communicate with voters and coworkers in a courteous, efficient manner

Must attend County administered training sessions in advance of election

Must be completely non-partisan while serving (not campaigning, handing out literature or wearing political items), and must work to keep the rest of the room where voting occurs a “campaign-free zone.” The “campaign-free zone” in the polling place is to ensure that voters are free to cast ballots without influence or intimidation.



POLL WORKER POSITIONS

The legal staffing standard is five (5) Election Officials in each precinct. Sometimes more are needed in larger precincts, and sometimes fewer can manage a small precinct or two smaller precincts working together. Judges and Inspectors are required to work a full day which is from 6:00AM to 9:00PM approximately. Clerks and Machine Operators may work a 1/2 day shift. Standard positions and responsibilities are:

Judge of Elections

The Judge of Elections oversees all Election Day activities and personnel inside the polls, including the Constable. The Judge opens and closes the polls and is responsible for the paperwork as well as pick up and return of election supplies to the County Election Bureau.

Majority Inspector

The Majority Inspector will assist the Judge of Elections and share responsibility for the operation of the polling site. Along with the Minority Inspector, this inspector will manage the poll books and assist voter sign-in and delivery of ballots to eligible voters.

Minority Inspector

The Minority Inspector has the same responsibilities as the Majority Inspector. In addition, the Minority Inspector is expected to appoint a Minority Clerk and sign the provisional ballot envelope. The Minority Inspector will also receive “Minority Inspector Envelope” on election night. This contains a copy of the election results and numbered list of voters. The Minority Inspector must keep this record of election day in the sealed envelope for two years.

Clerk

The Clerk is appointed by the Minority Inspector to assist in the operations of the polling location on election day. They are tasked with checking in voters, tracking voters in the numbered list of voter books, and delivering ballots.

Machine Inspector

The Machine Inspector is appointed by the Majority Inspector or if the local precinct board is all of the same party, by the county Board of Elections. The Machine Inspector assists in the operations of the ballot scanning equipment and the ballot marking device on election day. They are tasked with assisting voters and maintaining voter privacy.



QUESTIONS?

If you have questions about serving as a poll worker, please contact the Poll WorkerHotline by email at delcopollworkers@co.delaware.pa.us or call at 484 - 460 - 3750.



Contact Us

  •   201 West Front Street,
         Media, PA 19063
  •   8:30AM - 4:30PM
           Monday - Friday
  •   610-891-4000
  • webmaster@co.delaware.pa.us

About Delaware County

Delaware County, presently consisting of over 184 square miles divided into forty-nine municipalities is the oldest settled section of Pennsylvania.


Read more