Work the Polls

Be a Part of the Process – Work the Polls!

We are looking for good citizens to become part of our election day team. Because of our dedicated poll workers, we are able to provide quality service for voters at every polling place location in the County.

 

Poll workers are selected and appointed by the Supervisor of Elections. An Election Board for each precinct is composed of a Clerk, an appropriate number of Inspectors, and a Poll Deputy. Where applicable, an Election Assistant is appointed for technical support with a laptop computer.

Each member of the Election Board must be:

  • A registered voter in DeSoto County (except for Deputies)
  • Able to read and write the English Language
  • Available to work at the polling place from 6:00 a.m. until after the polls close at 7:00 p.m. (most poll work is completed by 8:00)
  • Trained at one of the poll worker training sessions conducted prior to election day
  • Public service oriented

No Election Board may be composed solely of members of one political party with one exception: In a primary election in which only one party has candidates appearing on the ballot, all Clerks and Inspectors may be of that party. Any person whose name appears as an opposed candidate for any office is not eligible to serve on an Election Board.

 

Clerks
The clerk is in charge of and responsible for ensuring that the Election Board carries out its duties.
Inspectors
Inspectors assist the Clerk with assigned duties at the polls on election day.
Deputies
The Deputy’s responsibility is to maintain good order at the polls.

TRAINING CLASSES

Florida law requires that all Election Board members attend a training session to learn about their specific duties and responsibilities as election officials. These required classes are conducted by the Supervisor of Elections prior to each primary, general, and special election and are held at the County Commissioner Meeting Room and times will be announced.

A TYPICAL DAY WORKING AT THE POLLS

Election Board members must report to their assigned precinct by 6:00 a.m. to prepare the polling place for voting by setting up the voting booths, signs, and supplies. At 7:00 a.m., the poll workers open the polls for voting and:

  • Verify voter identification, addresses and signatures
  • Issue ballots and demonstrate proper voting procedures
  • Provide assistance to voters as needed

At 7:00 p.m., or whenever the last voter in line at 7:00 p.m. has voted, poll workers close the polls and perform their post-election responsibilities which includes packing up. The Clerk and Deputy deliver all election materials to a designated drop-off point.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED – “When you work the polls, the polls work!”

Many of your friends, neighbors and co-workers serve as poll workers each election year to perform this valuable public service. Why not join them? If you would like to contribute to making the election process work by serving as a poll worker on election day, you may:

  • Call our office at 863-993-4871 and ask about becoming a poll worker.
  • Stop by our office at 201 East Oak Street in Arcadia, FL and fill out an application.

Once we have received your application, your name will be added to our database of prospective poll workers. If you have previously worked at the polls on election day or already applied, your application is active and you do not need to re-apply. We appreciate your interest and your assistance!

201 E. Oak Street, Suite 104, Arcadia, FL 34266  •  Phone: (863) 993-4871  •  mnegley@votedesoto.com  •  Hours: M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm