Get Involved by Working at the Polls
The strength of a democracy depends upon the
level of involvement of its citizens.
Fairfax County needs approximately 2,000 citizens to serve as election officers in its 204
precincts for each General Election. It's a rewarding way to participate in your government
and help to ensure a fair and well-organized voting process.
Am I qualified?
- You must be a registered voter in Fairfax County.
- You cannot hold elected office or be the employee of an elected official.
- You must enjoy meeting people and serving the public.
- You must be able to take direction, pay attention to detail and not be easily dis-tracted.
- You must be available to work the entire day on Election Day.
What will I being doing?
Precinct Officers...
- Arrive at the polling place at 5 a.m. on Election Day and remain until all tallies have been completed.
- Set up voting equipment and prepare the polling place for voting.
- Process voters by checking names on list of registered voters.
- Admit voters to voting machines.
- Tally results, secure voting machines and close the polling place.
Central Absentee Precinct (CAP) Officers...
- Process mailed-in absentee ballots.
- Check names of voters on lists of absentee applicants.
- Record names of voters in poll books.
- Tabulate votes using optical scan voting equipment.
Stand-by (Alternate) Officers... May be called prior to Election Day to fill in for
officers who cannot serve.
Will I receive training?
Each election officer is required to attend a one-time training class. Classes, lasting
about two hours, are held in mid-October at several locations around the County. Additional
classes are held prior to special and primary elections. Call for class schedules.
Chief and Assistant Chief officers are required to attend a training class prior to each
election. In addition, the Chief Officer is responsible for returning materials to the
Government Center on election night or by noon the day following the election.
What will I be paid?
Chief Officer: $150
Assistant Chief Officer: $125
Election Officer: $100
Where will I be working?
Whenever possible, Election Officers are assigned to their "home" precinct. However, if there
are no vacancies at your polling place, you may be assigned to a nearby precinct or asked
to work in the Central Absentee Precinct (CAP). Unassigned officers are asked to serve as
"Stand-bys" to fill in for scheduled officers who cannot serve.
Yes, I'd like to help out...
You may request an application by calling the office of the Electoral Board at 703-324-4735.
The office is located at the Fairfax County Government Center in the Office of the Electoral
Board and General Registrar, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 323, Fairfax, VA 22035.
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