Election Official (Poll Worker) Information

General Information

The Registrar’s Office of the City of Hampton is looking for dedicated men and women to serve as Election Officials on Election Day.  We invite you to help your family, friends, and neighbors and serve our City by joining this team of Election Officials.  It is an enjoyable and rewarding way to be part of our democratic process.

A number of Election Officials are appointed for each of the City's voting precincts, with one designated as Chief Officer and Assistant Chief Officer.  Election Officials are given a great deal of responsibility and trust in the election process. Officials work together to produce accurate election results, provide for equal access to voting, and the necessary assistance to individual voters who need their help.

The polls open on Election Day at 6:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Whenever possible you will be placed in your "home" precinct or the precinct of your choice. However, if there are no vacancies, you will be placed at a nearby precinct if possible. There is a possibility that we might ask you to change polling locations prior to Election Day in order to meet staffing requirements.

Compensation and Training

Compensation for working as an Election Official on Election Day is $125.00.  As a general requirement before working, you will attend and complete a 3-hour training workshop designed for Election Officials.  Compensation for training is an additional $25.00. You may also volunteer your time!

Cancellation / Late / “No Show” Policy

We understand that unexpected obligations, work commitments, and illnesses can affect your schedule.  However, polling locations must be adequately staffed.  Cancellations and “no shows” have a significant impact on polling locations.

CANCELLATIONS:  Three cancellations may put you on a waitlist for serving as an Election Official.

LATE:  Arriving late has a negative impact on other Election Officials preparing to open the polls.  Late arrival on Election Day may result in you being waitlisted or your Election Official appointment being canceled.

NO SHOW:  If you do not show up on Election Day, your Election Official appointment is automatically canceled.  Election officials are also considered “no shows” if they fail to cancel.

Requirements for an Election Official

  • A United States Citizen
  • Resident and qualified voter of the Commonwealth of Virginia
  • 18 years or older
  • You cannot hold elected office or be the employee of an elected official 
  • Be able to speak, read and write English
  • You must choose a political party to represent so each precinct can be staffed appropriately, or you may elect to serve either party
  • You must demonstrate patience when interacting with a variety of people during a long day
  • You must be willing to perform all the duties assigned

Essential Qualifications

  • You must not engage in any political conversation with voters and/or fellow Election Officials. Communicate no bias or opinions on the election or candidates.
  • You will need working knowledge of computers so that you can operate the Electronic Pollbooks to check in voters.
  • Must be able to follow directions, understand, and operate the voting equipment once trained.
  • Personal business may not be conducted within the polling location.
  • You must be available to work the entire Election Day. For security reasons, no exceptions are permitted. Arrive at the polling location at 5:00 a.m. and remain there until the election results have been reported, all paperwork has been completed and the polling place is returned to its original order (generally around 9:00 p.m.; for Presidential Election - 11:00 p.m.).
  • Election Officials work for the Electoral Board and follow the guidelines and standards that lead to exceptional customer service for our citizens in helping them to be a successful voter on Election Day.
  • Election Officials must maintain an acceptable standard of conduct with both coworkers and voters in the precinct. Be courteous, professional, and helpful to our voters.
  • Must be willing to do what is necessary to maintain and secure voting environment.
  • Wear appropriate attire (no work-out clothes, t-shirts, or shorts).

Job Duties

  • Report to your assigned polling location no later than 5:00 a.m. and be prepared to stay until the polls are closed and all closing procedures are completed.
  • Share the responsibility of the operations of the polling location.
  • Assist in the setup and breakdown of tables, signage, and voting equipment.
  • Greet voters, instruct voters on voting machine use through demonstrations, assist at the poll book and card encoder, and verify voter information.
  • Assist in the completion of necessary election paperwork.
  • Oversee the voting process to ensure it is conducted in a manner that maintains the integrity and security of the election.


We appreciate your interest in becoming an Election Official.   Click here to complete an Election Official Interest Form.