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How to Be an Election Officer
On Election Day more than 1.4 million Americans work at the polls – but more are needed! By working at the polls you will be supporting the democratic values on which our nation was built.
Serving as a precinct election officer is a rewarding way to participate in your government and help us to ensure a fair and well-organized voting process. Orange County needs approximately 150 dependable and committed citizens to serve as precinct election officers in its 12 precincts for each General Election.
Qualifications:
- You must be a registered voter of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- You cannot hold elected office or be the employee of an elected official.
- You must enjoy meeting people and serving the public.
- You must be able to take direction, pay attention to detail and not be easily distracted.
- You must be available to work the entire day on Election Day.
Election Day Responsibilities:
- Arrive at the polling place at 5:00 a.m. on Election Day and remain until all tallies have been completed.
- Set up voting equipment and prepare the polling place for voting.
- Process voters on Electronic Poll Books.
- Admit voters to voting machines.
- Tally results.
- Secure voting machines.
- Close the polling place.
Training:
- Each precinct election office is required to attend a training class.
- The office of Voter Registration and Elections conducts the training, and workers are notified of the dates and times.
Where will I be working?
Whenever possible, Precinct Election Officers are assigned to their "home" precinct. However, if there are no vacancies at your polling place, you may be assigned to a nearby precinct or asked to work in the Central Absentee Precinct (CAP). Unassigned officers are asked to serve as "alternatives" to fill in for scheduled officers who cannot serve.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply to serve as an Orange County election officer please complete the Application to Serve as an Officer of Election form. (The newest version of Adobe Reader must be installed to access this form.) Once complete the form can be submitted to Bridget Joyce via email
Alternately, you can email the following information: your full name, current address, daytime telephone number, and your date of birth. This information is necessary in order to verify your voter registration. Also, please indicate whether you would prefer to represent the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, or the Independent Party on Election Day, as mandated by the Code of Virginia §24.2-115, appointment, qualifications, and term of officers of election.
You may also apply by calling the Office of Voter Registration and Elections at (540) 672-5262.