Become an election officer

Become an Election Officer

Election officers are essential to the smooth operation of our voting process. By serving as an election officer, you help ensure that elections run efficiently, securely, and fairly. While poll watchers are volunteers, election officers do get paid for their time. Both are equally important. In either role, your commitment is vital to maintaining the integrity of our republic, making sure it is easy to vote and hard to cheat.

How to Become an Election Officer in Virginia

1. Confirm Your Eligibility: To become an election officer, you must be a citizen of the United States and a registered voter in Virginia. Additionally, you should have a keen interest in safeguarding the electoral process.
2. Make Application: You MUST apply to your local General Registrar/Electoral Board, who will appoint you to be an Officer of Election.
3. Take the VFE Zoom/In-Person Officer of Election classes: You can attend these classes by zoom or in-person on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings. See the above related button or appropriate links to Zoom training registration.
4. Express Your Interest: Many localities have their own election officer interest form. However, if your locality does not have one of these forms, you can fill one out from the state here. 
5. May take the State offered Training: Once your application is approved by your local Electoral Board, You MUST attend the local Election Officer training sessions. These sessions are designed to familiarize you with election procedures, voting equipment, and your responsibilities on Election Day. Training ensures you are well-prepared to handle any situation that may arise. You can view the training information here. Consider taking third party supplemental trainings as well. 
6. Assignment: After training, you will be assigned to a polling place. Assignments are based on your location and the needs of the election office. You will receive information about your polling place, the hours you need to work, and any specific duties you will perform.
7. On Election Day: As an election officer, your tasks will include setting up the polling place, checking in voters, providing ballots, assisting voters as needed, and ensuring the polling place operates smoothly. At the end of the day, you will help close the polls and secure the ballots for counting.
8. (Optional) Request Assignment: You may choose to request assignment at the Central Absentee Precinct (CAP).

We encourage you to join us in our mission to secure fair and free elections. By becoming an election officer, you play an essential part in maintaining the integrity of our sacred processes. Your vigilance ensures that every eligible voter can cast their ballot without obstacles, and that the election results are accurate and trustworthy. Together, we can make sure it remains easy to vote and hard to cheat. Become a guardian of our republic today!

Important Links: 

Officer of Election Interest Form (virginia.gov)

Register for Clara Belle Wheeler’s Training

Officers of Election – Training| Rise 360 (articulate.com)