Working the Polls

An election official is defined as “an individual who is charged with any duties relating to the conduct of an election.” Wis. Stat. § 5.02(4e). This includes chief inspectors, elections inspectors, greeters, tabulators, and high school poll workers. As election officials, poll workers perform a very important public service by enhancing the high quality and integrity of Wisconsin's elections.

Poll Worker Qualification Requirements

    Chief Inspectors

    Wis. Stat. §7.30(2)(a) indicates a preference for the Chief Inspector to be a resident of the municipality where they will serve, but offers an exception: “…each chief inspector shall be a qualified elector of the municipality in which the chief inspector serves. If no qualified candidate for chief inspector is available…the person so appointed need not be a qualified elector of the municipality…”

    The municipal clerk chooses the chief inspector, but the statute confines the selection to municipal residents unless no qualified municipal resident is available.

    Election Inspectors

    1. They must be nominated. Once nominated, it is up to the governing body to appoint the inspectors to a two-year term. Election inspector terms run from January 1 of an even-numbered year through December 31 of the subsequent odd-numbered year. Wis. Stat. § 7.31 (4).

    2. Inspectors must be able to read, write and understand the English language.

    3. Inspectors are required to receive training from the municipal clerk within the two years preceding the election event at which the inspector intends to work.

    4. An inspector may not be a candidate for any office to be voted on at an election at which they serve. Wis. Stat. § 7.30 (2)(a).

    5. Election inspectors must be qualified electors of the county served by the polling place in which they work.

    6. The municipal clerk should identify any election inspectors appointed by one of the two major political parties. The chief inspector must ensure that any Election Day tasks which require completion by two election inspectors are represented by each party, whenever possible. Wis. Stat. § 7.30 (2)(a).

    Special note regarding election inspector appointments: It is the opinion of the Commission that election inspectors may not serve at elections where they, their spouse, or immediate family member is a candidate on the ballot or under other circumstances where a candidate’s success or failure to win election would affect the election inspector financially

    High School Poll Workers

    Students qualify to serve as election inspectors if they:

    1. Are 16 or 17 years of age

    2. Are enrolled in grades 9 to 12 in a public, private or tribal school or a home-based private educational program.  

    3. Have at least a 3.0 grade point average or the equivalent.

    4. Have the written approval of their parent or guardian.

    5. Have the written approval of the principal of the school in which they are enrolled, if the student has less than a 3.0 grade point average.

    6. Reside in the municipality.

    Students may serve only at polling places that serve their residence.

    Poll workers FAQ

    View all FAQ
      What are some accommodations for poll workers?

      What are the positions at a polling place?

      There are four different positions that help conduct elections at a polling place.

      1. A poll worker, or election inspector, is someone who conducts duties at a polling place on Election Day. The poll worker can issue ballots to registered voters, registering voters, monitor the voting equipment, explain how to mark the ballot or use the voting equipment, and count votes. There are typically 3 to 7 election inspectors at a polling place with 1 chief inspector. There must always be an odd number of election inspectors.
      2. Each polling place is allowed up to one greeter. The greeter assists with answering questions and directing voters to the voting area. A greeter may become an election inspector on election day if there is an even number of poll workers to maintain an odd number.
      3. The municipal clerk or board of election commissioners may assign an election registration official (ERO) to a polling place to register voters. EROs do not count toward the number of election inspectors at a polling place.
      4. Lastly, the governing body or board of election commissioners of a municipality may pass a resolution to employ tabulators in an election. Tabulators assist at the polling place after it closes.

      What are the essential functions of becoming a poll worker?

      Under Wis. Stat. s. 7.30(2), election inspectors must be able to read and write the English language, be capable, and be of good understanding. However, there are many different duties that an individual can conduct at the polling place that do not require the ability to read or write the English language. These could include being a greeter, monitoring the voting equipment, or issuing ballots to registered voters.

      How do I get an accommodation to become a poll worker?

      Under ADA, all poll workers, including greeters and tabulators, are entitled to receive a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job if the accommodation does not create an undue hardship to the employer.  Therefore, many municipalities may be able to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals to become a poll worker. However, not every position may be able to be performed by every individual, so a reasonable accommodation could be reassignment to a different position.

      To get a reasonable accommodation, contact your municipal clerk. You may also contact the Wisconsin Elections Commission with any questions.

      What are examples of accommodations that are generally reasonable at a polling place?

      • Assignment to be a greeter.
      • Assignment to a specific task.
      • Providing a translator.
      • Providing an aid to assist with assigned tasks.
      • Providing extra breaks.
      • Allowing flexible work hours.
      • Providing equipment to improve accessibility, such as a chair or magnifying glass.

       

      An accommodation would not be reasonable if the individual is unable to perform the essential functions of the job or if the accommodation causes undue hardship for the municipality. These determinations are decided by each municipality, but the Wisconsin Elections Commission can work with a clerk to identify accommodation options or eliminate barriers to providing an accommodation.

      Can I be excused from my regular job to be a poll worker?

      Wisconsin law requires every employer to grant an unpaid leave of absence to each employee who is appointed to serve as an election official, if the employee who serves as an election official provides his or her employer with at least seven days' notice.  The leave is for the entire 24-hour period of each election day in which the employee serves in his or her official capacity as an election official.   Upon request of any employer municipal clerks must verify appointments.

      What are the specific qualifications to be an Election Inspector (poll worker)?

      To be an election inspector (poll worker), a person must:

      • Be a qualified elector of the county in which the polling place is established  (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 speak, read, and write fluently in the English language;
      • Have strong clerical skills;
      • Be able to solve problems;
      • Be an effective communicator; and
      • NOT be a candidate for any office to be voted on at the polling place at that election.
      What are the Training Requirements for Election Inspectors?

      Municipal clerks are required by state law to provide training. This training provides all of the necessary information and knowledge to be a successful poll worker.  (Many municipalities require poll workers to attend a comprehensive training course prior to each Primary election.)  

      An experienced chief inspector who has been certified by the State Elections Board must be present at each polling place for each election.   Chief inspectors must receive six hours of continuing election education training during each two-year period.