ELECTION OFFICER INFORMATION
Quick Links
Election Officer Application – Apply if you have never worked the polls in Prince William County.
PollAccess – Online portal for appointed and returning officers.
Online Training Site – Provides training tools, videos, officer guides, and more.
More Information
Election Officer Qualifications
Steps to Become an Election Officer
**Election Officer Assignment Letters Will Be Sent Out Monday, May 16, 2022**
Contact
If you are having trouble with your application or have questions about the process, please contact the Election Officer Team for assistance.
Email: electionofficer@pwcvote.gov
Phone: 703-792-6470 and ask to speak to the “Election Officer Team”
OFFICER QUALIFICATIONS
All election officer must:
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Be a registered voter of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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Cannot hold elected office or be the employee of an elected official.
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Be available from 5:00am to 9:00pm on Election Day without leaving the polling place.
Officer Responsibilities
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Arrive at the polling place not later than 5:00 AM on Election Day.
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Set up voting equipment and prepare the polling place for voting.
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Check in voters at the polling place.
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Assist voters as requested.
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Maintain a polling place that is orderly and accessible to all voters.
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Accurately report results and complete paperwork to verify election information.
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Close the polling place at 7:00 PM and remain until all closing duties have been completed and you have been dismissed by the Chief.
If you have questions, please email electionofficer@pwcvote.gov or call 703-792-6470 and ask to speak to someone on the Election Officer Team.
STEPS TO BECOME AN ELECTION OFFICER
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APPLICATION: Complete an online application with Prince William County to become an election officer. We must verify your eligibility and process your application which can take up to 1-2 weeks.
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APPOINTMENT: Complete your appointment response. Officers are appointed each year by our Electoral Board and emailed a link to accept their response shortly after their appointment. Your response allows you to update your availability for upcoming elections, personal preferences, work area interest, and contact information.
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ASSIGNMENT: You will receive an email with your assignment to a polling place approximately 6 weeks prior to each election. Not all officers will be assigned to each election based on varying workforce needs and Virginia Code requirements related to location and bipartisan representation.
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TRAINING: If assigned, you must complete a training course prior to each election. Your training will be customized to your work position, election work experience, and the type of election, etc. Training will cover information you need to know prior to the election and how to serve voters on Election Day. Your assignment letter will include details on how to sign up for training. Learn more at our Online Training Site.
If you have questions, please email electionofficer@pwcvote.gov or call 703-792-6470 and ask to speak to someone on the Election Officer Team.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do election officers do?
Election officers set up the precinct for the election including making sure equipment is operating properly and signage is put in place. On Election Day, they check in voters, distribute ballots, and provide general assistance. At the end of Election Day, officers will tabulate results, complete critical paperwork, and clean up the polling place.
Where will I be working?
Workers are sent an ASSIGNMENT letter for each election to verify they have been selected to work a particular election. Whenever possible, Election Officers are assigned to their "home" precinct (the polling place where they vote) unless they request otherwise. However, if there are no vacancies at the home precinct, a nearby precinct may be assigned to ensure that all polling places have proper and equitable representation.
How do I vote if I’m not working at my “home” precinct?
All Election Officers are eligible to vote by mail or at early voting (whether assigned to their home precinct or not). Officers not assigned to their home polling place should pay particular attention to this as your vote will not count if not in your home precinct and you cannot leave the polling place you are working at to vote on Election Day. Please plan ahead accordingly.
When will I be paid?
Payments are issued approximately four weeks after each election. You will receive your payment either via direct deposit or a paper check.
How much will I be paid?
Election Officers receive the following payment amounts:
Chiefs $225
Assistant Chief $200
Election Officer $175
Training and Election Day work are included in this total stipend.
A $25 bonus is paid to election officers for each of the following situations:
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Qualified officers that complete an additional workshop as an Election Equipment Specialist (appointed by the Chief).
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Chiefs (or the appointed officer) that picks up the Chief materials.
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The Chief and the additional officer that return election materials and ballots to the Office of Elections.