Take Action: Become a Poll Worker
Why is the poll worker program vital to protecting Georgians' constitutional right to vote?
In 2020, Georgia voters experienced long lines, extreme delays, equipment malfunctions, and other problems with in-person voting caused by a significant shortage of well-trained poll workers. Many Georgia poll workers dropped out due to pandemic-related concerns, and those that remained lacked hands-on training with Georgia’s newly implemented voting system technology.
Since then, the state has passed an anti-voter law that includes restrictions to line relief — handing out food, water, and other provisions to voters in line. These restrictions and others make it harder for voters of color, seniors, and people with disabilities to cast their ballots.
BECOMING A POLL WORKER
In the midst of a global pandemic, Georgia faces a massive shortage of poll workers, especially in our most populous counties and city centers. Our state needs more Georgians to serve as poll workers. To become a poll worker, one must meet four requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Be a resident or employee of the county in which you would like to be a poll worker (with one exception, see the footnote below)1
- Be able to read, write, and speak the English language
To learn more about the requirements to become a poll worker, please watch this video from the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office.
Outside of these requirements, counties are especially interested in poll workers who encompass the following:
- Younger Georgians who are at lower risk of COVID-19 complications
- Lawyers committed to understanding the ins and outs of election law and administration
- Tech-savvy individuals to help keep the electronic voter machines up and running
- Passionate people who care about improving the state of democracy
Once you submit this interest form, the ACLU of Georgia will be in touch to help you sign up, train, and get scheduled with your county of residence to work the polls in Georgia. If you have any questions, please contact us at voting@acluga.org! The ACLU of Georgia cannot guarantee placement as a poll worker, but we will work to ensure a smooth training and selection process.
You can apply to be a poll worker or contact your County Elections Office on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website or by contacting your County Elections Office. You can find the contact information for any county elections office here.
Most counties will begin notifying selected poll workers in mid-September. Please make sure to submit any applications or forms you have been asked to complete as soon as possible. Please complete everything in a timely manner as there will be training prior to the election that you will need to complete with your respective county. Click here for specific county poll worker information.