How to Apply to Become a Poll Worker

There is nothing more important to democracy than free and fair elections. By becoming a poll worker, you will help ensure that all registered voters are able to exercise their right to vote freely, without obstruction or influence.

As an Election Day poll worker, you will work with a team, and each team member will have their own important role. Together, you will help the City of Boston have a successful and efficient Election Day.

Election Day poll workers receive paid training to prepare them for their assignment on Election Day, and a stipend for their day of service to our City.

• Help in the setup of the voting location on Election Day.
• Prevent interference with the voting process and assists voters in accordance with the law.
• Check voters in, hand out ballots, and direct voters to voting stations.
• Help voters who may have difficulties voting due to sight and physical limitations.
• Provide language assistance to Boston’s LEP (Limited English Proficiency). Translators may be on site or available by phone at the Boston Election Department Translator Phone Bank.
• Oversee the completion of forms for challenged and provisional ballots.
• Read and record the number of ballots cast before, during, and at the close of the polls.
• Help with various assignments required to secure the closing of the polls.

Please be advised that as a condition of applying to this position, a public-records search of the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) will be completed using your information. You may not be eligible for hire as a poll worker based on the results of this search.

Poll worker online portal

Student Poll Workers

Are you a high school student? If you are 16 or older by November 3, 2026 you can be a student poll worker. In addition to applying through the portal students must fill out this form.

• State Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026