Become a Poll Worker

The Village of Fredonia encourages all eligible citizens to vote and to become involved in the election process. One of the most rewarding ways to do this is to become an Election Day poll worker. Citizen involvement is essential to conduct open, accurate and fair elections in Wisconsin.

To become an election inspector, please contact Village Clerk Michelle Johnson mjohnson@village.fredonia.wi.us or by calling 262-692-9125.

Poll workers do everything from check in voters, help people register to vote, check photo IDs and process absentee ballots. Your will be provided with training prior to election day for the job you are assigned. This is a great opportunity for high school and college students to get involved with the democratic process!

To be a poll worker, a person must:

• Be a qualified elector of the county in which the municipality is located (i.e., an adult citizen of the United States who has resided in the election district for 28 consecutive days and is not otherwise disqualified to vote)

• Be able to read and write fluently in the English language

• NOT be a candidate for any office to be voted on at the polling place at that election.

We hope that you will consider participation in the election process.

FAQs:

What are the responsibilities of an election inspector?

Assist in greeting voters and establish they are at the correct voting location, ensure voters have the correct documents to register to vote and receive their ballot, set up and break down the polling place, register voters and check in voters that are already registered, issue ballots, process absentee ballots, monitor election equipment, tally write-in votes, open and close the polls, and provide a positive voting experience for all voters.

What are the hours of work?

Polling places are open statewide from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Poll workers can work a full day, generally from 6:00 a.m. until approximately 9:00 p.m. or later in the case of November elections. Split shifts are also available. Breaks and lunch/dinner hours are allowed and determined by the Chief Election Inspector. Meals will be provided.

Are poll workers (election inspectors) compensated?

Election Inspectors are compensated for working at the polling places and for attending training sessions. Poll workers may also choose to volunteer their services by filing a written declination of compensation with the municipal clerk.

What are the training requirements for poll workers?

The Village of Fredonia Clerk provides training to all poll workers. This training provides all of the necessary information and knowledge to be a successful poll worker. Training sessions last approximately 2 hours. Chief Election Inspectors are required to attend a paid 6 hour training session.

How are poll workers selected?

According to State Statutes (7.30 (4)) the Mayor, President or Board Chairperson of the municipality is required to nominate poll workers to the governing body no later than the last regular meeting in December of odd-numbered years. The governing body of the municipality appoints the poll workers for a two-year term before December 31.

The nominees are to come first from lists submitted by the two dominant political parties, which are due no later than November 30 of odd numbered years, and may be supplemented at any time. Local party chairpersons are responsible for submitting these lists of names to the Mayor, President or Board Chairperson of the municipality, for each polling place.

If a local party does not submit a list, or does not submit enough names, the Mayor, President or Board Chairperson may nominate qualified individuals on a non-partisan basis, without regard to party affiliation.

To become an election inspector, please contact Village Clerk Michelle Johnson mjohnson@village.fredonia.wi.us or by calling 262-692-9125.