Pollworker Training, Recruitment and Performance

Pollworkers are the link between election administration—the laws, rules and procedures that govern the election process—and the voters. They are the line staff of the democratic process. This makes pollworker training one of the most important components of a fair and effective election system.

Properly trained pollworkers thoroughly understand the laws and procedures for voting in their state, exercise discretion responsibly, seek guidance when appropriate, and act in a professional and respectful manner with all voters. Poorly trained pollworkers, on the other hand, are not well acquainted with their state’s laws and procedures for voting, exercise discretion arbitrarily and treat some voters with considerably more deference than other voters. The differences can lead to illegally disenfranchised voters, unwanted media attention and legal challenges. Read more.

Additional Resources

• Policy Brief 9: Elements of Successful Poll Worker Training. Project Vote. October 2006.
• Plight of the Poll Worker: Efforts to Improve Training and Support for Poll Workers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida, and Michigan. Advancement Project. October 2006.
• Chapter 12: Poll Workers. 2004 Election Day Survey. United States Election Assistance Commission.
• Model Training: Iowa Poll Worker Training.
• Model Training: Missouri Poll Worker Training.

Media Reports

• "Confessions of an Ohio Poll Worker." Salon.com. November 1, 2006.