How to be a poll worker in New Hampshire

Tom Hilton, the election administrator in Manchester, has a message for all voters: “Sign up to be a poll worker too, we need help.” New Hampshire state primaries are on Tuesday, Sept.10, and the general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Want to volunteer for one or both days? 

Here are some tips for those looking to volunteer as a poll worker. 

How can you sign up? 

You can either call or visit your city or town clerk’s office, to let them know you’re interested and would like to fill out an application form. You can find your city or town clerk here. 

In Manchester, you can either go to the City Hall office on Elm Street or online to fill out a form here. 

What are the eligibility criteria for someone to become a poll worker? 

In order to be a poll worker you have to be: 

• A registered voter 
• Able to attend a training session offered by the office of the city clerk prior to each election you work
• Able to transport yourself to and from the polling station
• Willing to adhere to the Poll Worker Code of Conduct

If you are 17 and want to be a poll worker, you are eligible to only work as a greeter. 

What are some of the responsibilities of a poll worker? 

There are different positions the clerk’s office is looking to fill. 

Greeter: If you’re a greeter, you help people get in line, get to the starting point where they can cast their ballot, or send them to the deputy registrar. 

Deputy registrar: If you’re a deputy registrar in the city, or working with the supervisor of the checklist in the town, you help people register to vote on election day, check their ID, and make sure they meet all the qualifications to vote.

Ballot inspector: Ballot inspectors help people check in, and mark the paper checklists. You might also watch ballots, and go through the tabulator.

What hours am I expected to work on Election Day? 

It can range, and ultimately depends on when you are up on election night. If you can get to the polling place around 5 a.m., it will usually last until around 9 p.m. But it depends on how the events of the day play out. 

Do I get compensated for my work? 

By ordinance in the city, you have to complete a course to receive the full stipend. It’s $180 for poll workers. You can still work if you aren’t able to complete a course or come to training. But in order to receive that full pay, you have to complete some sort of training in person or online. 

Separate training sessions need to be attended for the primary and general election. 

Where do the training sessions happen? Whom do I contact with any questions?

Training sessions happen in-person and online. If you’re going to be working in the polls, you’ll have to get in touch with the clerk’s office and register for a course. That way you get credit for having attended the course and get your stipend. 

Can an out-of-towner volunteer as a poll worker in a different town or city? 

People from out of town can work the polls, however, they are limited to working only as either a greeter or a deputy registrar.

Are you ready to vote? Make sure to check your voter registration status, see who’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.