CCSEP Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in joining Campus Compact as a student recruiter for the Safe Elections Project? See below for some answers to questions you may have.
WHAT IS A STUDENT RECRUITER?
Student Recruiters will recruit fellow students and other young, healthy people to serve as poll workers on Election Day.
They will be paid to work virtually over the course of 3 weeks to educate their peers, both on campus and within their personal networks, about the current need for poll workers, how they can help, and where to sign up.
WHAT DO POLL WORKERS DO?
There are many kinds of jobs for poll workers to do, including helping voters maintain physical distance in lines, wiping down machines and equipment, and helping voters check-in, understand their ballots, and cast their vote. With absentee and mail voting, poll workers also help open and count mailed ballots.
ARE POLL WORKERS PAID?
Poll worker pay varies by location. In most cases, you will be paid with a check for a day’s worth of work. In some cases, poll working may be voluntary and not paid.
CAN ANYONE BE A POLL WORKER?
Qualifications vary by jurisdiction. Many states require poll workers to be registered to vote in the state or their local jurisdiction. In some cases, younger people who aren’t yet eligible to vote can also serve as poll workers.
WHAT IF I CAN ONLY SERVE FOR PART OF A DAY?
You should still sign up and let your election officials know about your availability.
IF I’M WORKING THE POLLS, WHEN DO I VOTE?
Poll workers usually cast their votes early or by mail, but some cast their votes on Election Day. Certain jurisdictions may require poll workers to vote early or via absentee ballot. Please contact your local elections official for details about how poll workers cast their ballots.
CAN I TAKE THE DAY OFF TO WORK THE POLLS?
In many states, companies must give workers time off to vote by law, and some companies are creating or extending policies to allow time off for poll working. Ask your employer and encourage colleagues to join you.
DOES IT MATTER IF I’M A DEMOCRAT, REPUBLICAN OR INDEPENDENT?
Poll working is usually a non-partisan activity and your party affiliation does not matter, but in some states poll workers are matched to locations in pairs based on their party registration. Applications in some jurisdictions may ask you for party registration information.
