Precinct Worker Programs
These programs are an integral part of our ongoing process to continually improve service for county voters and is vital to maintain the integrity of the election process in our county. The staff at the Clerk-Recorder office works hundreds of extra hours to prepare for each election, but on election morning, the process is turned over to precinct workers to administer. We need qualified personnel to serve voters who go to the polls on Election Day. Specific examples of what you will be doing include:
- Before Election Day, attend training & pick up your supplies
- Election Day, arrive at 6:00AM to set up
- Assist voters when signing in
- Issue ballots to voters and accept ballots from vote-by-mail voters
- Close the polls
- Account for ballots & pack up supplies
- Deliver the voted ballots & supplies to a central collection point
While most group members admit it is a more complicated process than they first imagined, they have also expressed a great satisfaction at contributing to an important piece of American democracy.
Precinct Worker Application
If you would like to be an active participant in the political process and make a difference in your community please complete the Precinct Worker Application.
Student Poll Worker Program
The Student Poll Worker program is a valuable tool in increasing students' awareness and understanding of democracy in action. This program is offered in cooperation with local high schools and offers students 16+ the chance to work at a local precinct on Election Day. Interested students should complete the Student Poll Worker application and submit it to [email protected]. Questions can be directed to that email or to 805-781-4989.
Adopt-A- Poll
Our Adopt-A-Poll program allows businesses and other organizations to create their own worker group to become a precinct board. It’s a great way to support the community and raise funds, too! If your group is interested in adopting a poll, please complete the Precinct Worker Application to be added to our mailing list.
Your group can help us by volunteering to staff one or more precincts on Election Day. FOUR to FIVE people will be needed per poll or precinct at all times from approximately 6am to closing - usually around 9pm. The Clerk-Recorder’s Office will determine how many workers are required per election. You must always have at least 3 clerks and an Inspector on site. It is recommended that you have 4 clerks from 6-9 a.m. and 6-9 p.m., but from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 3 clerks is generally fine. While a 3-hour shift is required of everyone who works, a 5-hour shift is preferred.
Your group would be responsible for recruiting the staff for the precinct, making sure that they complete our Precinct Worker Application, and ensuring that each worker participates in one of our training sessions. Following the election, your organization will be paid for the training time and hours worked by each precinct worker. You will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you have contributed to a vital part of democracy in San Luis Obispo County.
We hope you will consider this program, both as a fundraiser for your group and to assist San Luis Obispo County in administering elections now and in the future. Ensuring that voters have a chance to cast ballots free from intimidation and without the worry of election fraud is a vital part of contributing to a strong local government - and you can earn money for your group at the same time!
Precinct Worker Training Schedule
Training is strongly recommended for all workers and is mandatory for Inspectors. The training schedule will be provided with your assignment letter.