TEST TW WEATHER

Become an Election Inspector

The Town of Trade Lake encourages all citizens to vote and to become involved in the election process. One of the most rewarding ways to become involved is to serve in your community as a poll worker or Election Inspector. Citizen Involvement is essential in conducting open, accurate, and fair elections. We hope that you will consider participating in the election process by signing up to be an Election Inspector.

Generally, Our polling place is staffed with a total of 3-5 election inspectors depending on the election. For a presidential elections this may increase. To help you make an informed decision before applying for the position, please review the following information.

Responsibilities of an Election Inspector

Election inspectors conduct assigned duties at a polling site on Election Day and are under the direct supervision of the Chief Election Inspector, who has been certified by the Government Accountability Board and must be present at each polling place.   General duties include:

  • Organizing the polling place before the polls open
  • Election day voter registration
  • Checking in voters on the poll book and assigning each voter on the poll book a sequential election day voter number
  • Issuing ballots, counting ballots
  • Assisting voters and providing instruction as necessary
  • Processing absentee ballots
  • Monitoring the voting equipment
  • Signing and assisting with paperwork for the city and county such as tally sheets, write-ins, inspectors' statements, and oath certificates

Hours of Work and Compensation

Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Poll workers may work a full day, or half day. Hours are from 6:30 a.m. until approximately 9 p.m.  November elections can go longer. Breaks and lunch / dinner hours are allowed and determined by the chief election inspector. Election inspectors are compensated for working at the polling place and for attending training sessions. The current pay for election inspectors is $10.00 per hour.

Training Requirements

Training by the Town Clerk if necessary, but mostly on the job.

Length of Commitment

Election Inspectors are appointed to two-year terms by the Town Board. However, you may not be called for every election. The number of workers depends on the anticipated turn out for the election. Being available to fill in at the last moment is also appreciated.

Qualifications

To be a poll worker, a person must:

  • Be a qualified elector of the county in which the polling place is established (i.e., an adult citizen of the United States who has resided in the election district for 28 days and is not otherwise disqualified to vote)
  • Be able to speak, read, and write fluently in the English language
  • Have strong clerical skills
  • Be able to solve problems
  • Have strong attention to detail
  • Have strong friendly communication skills
  • Not be a candidate for any office to be voted on at the polling place at that election.

High School Poll Workers

A student who is 16 or 17 years of age and who is enrolled in grades 9-12 in a public or private high school and has at least a 3.0 GPA may serve as an election inspector. The village clerk must receive written authorization from the student's parent or guardian and school principal for the student to serve at the presidential election.

Apply

If you would like to apply for a poll worker position, please complete the application below or contact the Town's Deputy Clerk at (715) 488-2227 and we will mail you an application.

Application to Serve for Elections

Thank you for your interest in serving as a poll worker for the Town of Trade Lake

Want to become an Election Inspector?

Go to the Forms/Permits tab for the Inspector application.