{"id":5416,"date":"2026-06-02T23:02:43","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T23:02:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/02\/can-i-become-a-poll-worker-for-the-november-election-what-to-know\/"},"modified":"2026-06-02T23:02:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T23:02:43","slug":"can-i-become-a-poll-worker-for-the-november-election-what-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/02\/can-i-become-a-poll-worker-for-the-november-election-what-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I become a poll worker for the November election? What to know"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If the 2026 California primary election left you feeling inspired to get involved, here\u2019s what you need to know about becoming a poll worker for the upcoming November general election.<\/p>\n

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\u201cBefore each statewide election, thousands of Californians sign up to help put on the single most important event we hold in a democracy,\u201d said the California Secretary of State\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

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\u201cCounty elections officials depend on reliable, dedicated teams of poll workers to make every Election Day run smoothly,\u201d officials said.<\/p>\n

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Poll workers also are paid, but the amount varies from county to county.<\/p>\n

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Here\u2019s what you need to know:<\/p>\n

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Who can be a poll worker?<\/h2>\n

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In order to qualify to be a poll worker, you must be a United States citizen or a legal resident, the Secretary of State\u2019s office said.<\/p>\n

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State employees can take time off work to serve as poll workers.<\/p>\n

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High school students also may be eligible.<\/p>\n

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\u201cStarting at age 16 high school students who are U.S. citizens, maintain a 2.5 grade point average, and have permission from their parent or guardian and school can learn how elections are run while they earn money as a student poll worker on Election Day,\u201d officials said<\/p>\n

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What do poll workers do?<\/h2>\n

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Poll workers set up and close down polling places, help voters understand their rights and protect ballots and voting equipment.<\/p>\n

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How do you apply to become a poll worker?<\/h2>\n

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The California Secretary of State\u2019s Office has an online application that only takes a few minutes to fill out. If you\u2019re interested in serving as a poll worker in a county other than the one in which you reside, contact the elections office for that county.<\/p>\n

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If you live in Fresno, Sacramento or Yolo counties, contact your local elections office to find out how to apply to be a poll worker.<\/p>\n

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