POLL WORKERS: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Poll workers form the backbone of American elections, protecting every voter's right to vote and defending the integrity, security, and accuracy of 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, completing paperwork and ensuring a “campaign-free zone” inside the precinct.
POLL WORKER HOTLINE
The Poll Worker Hotline (484) 460-3750 handles calls regarding information on: The Poll Worker Hotline (484) 460-3750 handles calls regarding information on: in-person and online training, the Poll Worker test, election board positions, filling vacancies, procedures, Poll Worker drop-off and pick-up of Election Day supplies and much more. Questions about the role or anything on this page – call the Hotline.
HOW TO BECOME A POLL WORKER
To become a Poll Worker, you must meet several 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 except for district judge, notary public, and member of the PA National Guard.
- Must not be a candidate running for public office on the ballot in precinct, except for Judge of Election and Inspectors
- Able to read, write and speak English, as well as perform basic math.
- Be physically capable of sitting and/or standing for long periods, hearing voters, and writing information
- Be able 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
- Serve from approximately 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
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.
Delaware County voters interested in becoming a poll worker should complete the application below to be added to the Delco Poll Worker database. If there are no vacancies 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.
Please do not complete this form if you are already a Poll Worker.
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 pads 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.
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. | ||
Poll workers are expected to work from 6:00am until the polling location is closed and all paper work is completed approximately 9:00 pm. The Judge and Inspectors must work a full day, Clerks and machine operators may work ½ day shifts – 6:00am to 1:00pm or 1:00pm to 9:00pm for ½ the pay of $70.
In-person training pay:
- $150 for poll workers who complete the in-person training in the weeks before the Election Day AND pass the test AND serve successfully on Election Day
- $75 for any who meet these qualifications but serve only half of Election Day.
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: November 2023, April 2024, or November 2024
Judges who last completed in-person training in May 2023 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
STUDENT POLL WORKER PROGRAM
Program update: Students may now receive community service hours for working the polls!
The Delaware County Elections Bureau is 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 are strongly encouraged to attend a training session and will be expected to work their assigned shift. Students working the polls may choose to be compensated by check or by community service hours (new for 2025).
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
FILLING VACANCIES IN AN ELECTION BOARD: VACANCY KITS FOR COURT APPOINTMENTS
Judge of Election and Inspectors vacancies can be filled for the remainder of the term (through Nov. 2025) by submitting the “Vacancy Kit” application. Poll workers must live in the precinct where they are seeking a court appointment. Additionally, they must be either a registered Democrat or Republican, the Judge of Election must be the same party that received the majority of votes in the previous November election and the Inspector cannot be the same party as the other Inspector. Please call the Poll Worker Hotline to verify you are qualified to be court appointed. Petition due dates and court hearings for the upcoming election are:
| Petitions Due in Office | Court Hearing Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Monday, February 17, 2025 | Monday, February 24, 2025 9:30 a.m. |
| Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | Tuesday, March 18, 2025 9:30 a.m. |
| Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | Tuesday, April 15, 202 9:30 a.m. |
| Note that individuals seeking to fill a vacancy are NOT expected to appear at these Court dates. | |
THE ELECTION DAY GUIDE FOR POLL WORKERS FOR THE 2025 MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTION
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.
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 April through the Saturday before Election Day. All in-person classes will include hands on Poll Pad experience.
Please note: In-person sessions and related trainings are coordinated via email. Registration is required. An email will be sent to poll workers when dates and times are finalized. This email will also include a link for sign up.
All in-person classes will include hands on Poll Pad experience.
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).
Free garage parking is available in the Court House Garage on 3rd Street ONLY during classes held Monday - Friday evenings and Saturdays. Media Borough charges $1.50 per hour for street parking from 8:00 a.m.to 8:00 p.m., Monday - Saturday. Meters accept quarters only and the kiosks accept quarters, credit cards and the Passport App. There are very limited free parking spaces nearby.
Call the Poll Worker Hotline at 484-460-3750 if you have any questions regarding training or training pay.
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: November 2023, April 2024 and November 2024.
- To receive training pay, a Judge of Election must complete in-person training for this election OR must have completed in-person training for November 2023, April 2024 and November 2024 and pass the poll worker test AND serve successfully.
- A Poll Worker who is newly court appointed must complete in-person training.
POWERPOINT IN-PERSON TRAINING SLIDES
These PowerPoint slides have been provided to support poll workers in their training and duties. These slides offer guidance on the procedures, policies, and best practices to ensure a smooth and secure voting process. They are a supplemental resource to the Election Day Guide for understanding voter check-in procedures on the Poll Pad, ballot handling, equipment setup and breakdown and troubleshooting on Election Day. Please review them to prepare for your role as a poll worker.
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.
Note: The video was filmed during Covid and those protocols and supplies are no longer necessary.
ELECTION EQUIPMENT OPEN HOUSES
The Bureau of Elections will hold several Election Equipment Open Houses before Election Day. 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 structured classes but instead opportunities to get hands-on experience with the equipment and ask as many questions of equipment experts as you need, at your own pace. Visit as long or as briefly as you like.
A LIST OF OPEN HOUSE DATES AND TIMES WILL BE SENT TO EACH POLL WORKER VIA EMAIL.
All Open Houses will be held in the Delaware County Council Room, 1st floor in the Government Center Building, located at 201 W. Front St., in Media.
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 May 20, 2025 Municipal Primary Election will be available in late April.
NEW: Please check your email for your unique link to the test. A link to the live test is NO longer accessible via our web page. If you did not receive an email with your link, please contact the Poll Worker Hotline.
IMPORTANT TEST UPDATES: Due to a recent software upgrade, the online test link is NO longer available here . You can now only access the online test via the email link sent to you directly. You can receive a hard copy of test by requesting a hard copy, printing a copy from the PDF posted on our website or picking up a copy in class. Additionally, the answer key is unavailable. We know how helpful and popular these features are, and we're actively working to bring them back for the November election.
About the Poll Worker Test
To be paid for training, all poll workers must pass the Delaware County Poll Worker Test, regardless of experience or participating in online or in-person training AND successfully work the polls. The test is customized to each election. Poll workers will NOT be paid for training if they fail to pass the test or do not successfully serve on Election Day. JOES will not be paid for online training if they have not attended in-person training since November 2023.
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. To ensure poll workers are rested before Election Day, the test link will be deactivated at 9:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025.
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.
SAFETY AWARENESS
Homeland Security’s Election Infrastructure Division is providing fact and tip sheets to support our poll workers with essential guidance for Election Day. These resources offer practical tips and important information to ensure a smooth and secure voting process.
Please review these as we prepare for Election Day. Your dedication to upholding election integrity is greatly appreciated.
De-Escalation Series For Critical Infrastructure Owners And Operators
Used effectively, the right words can be a powerful tool. Simply saying “Hello” can prompt a casual conversation with unknown individuals and help you determine why they are there. The OHNO approach – Observe, Initiate a Hello, Navigate the Risk, and Obtain Help – helps employees observe and evaluate suspicious behaviors, empowers them to mitigate potential risk, and obtain help when necessary.
De-Escalation Series for Critical Infrastructure Owners and Operators
The assessment process determines whether an emergency response is needed, if de-escalation is possible, or if a more formal assessment is needed.
De-Escalation Series for Critical Infrastructure Owners and Operators
Co-workers, friends, and family are often best positioned to recognize the warning signs in someone who may be on a path to violence.
De-Escalation Series for Critical Infrastructure Owners and Operators
“The use of communication or other techniques during an encounter to stabilize, slow, or reduce the intensity of a potentially violent situation without using physical force, or with a reduction in force.” Department of Homeland Security Policy Statement 044-05
De-Escalation Series for Critical Infrastructure Owners and Operators
Reporting is critical to the prevention of workplace and community violence. Threats that are not known cannot be managed.
ELECTION MATERIAL PICK-UPS
Election Day supplies consisting of the Green Tote and the Poll Pad 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 the Supply Release is completed by the Judge of Elections, the Majority Inspector, or the Minority Inspector. This Supply Release 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 Supply Release, the Bureau of Elections may not release supplies to anyone else. The Supply Release 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 Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. If you are unable to pick up on Saturday, please call Voter Registration at 610-891-4659 to make alternative arrangements.
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.
NOTE: The Judge (or the Judge’s representative) must present valid PHOTO ID.
ELECTION MATERIAL DROP-OFFS
ALL Election Day material drop-offs will be held at the Government Center Building in Media on Election Night after the polls are closed. Only 1 poll worker per precinct should enter the building. 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.
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions about serving as a poll worker, please contact the Poll Worker Hotline by email at delcopollworkers@co.delaware.pa.us or call at (484) - 460 - 3750.