5 election jobs that might be just the ticket for you

Election season is upon us. For full- and part-time job seekers with a penchant for politics, employment opportunities are in high supply.

“Most local agencies roughly double in size about three to six months before the election with temp workers,” says Eric Olsen, election training coordinator at the D.C. Board of Elections.

Nonetheless, many positions require candidates to pass a quiz that tests their competency in the specific job function, and essentially all jobs require top-notch attention to detail. “Our election procedures have to be flawless,” says Kristin Reed, manager of administration services at the Orange County Registrar of Voters in California. “There is zero tolerance for errors.”

Given the industry’s tight deadlines, time management skills are crucial. “We want workers who are self-starters—people who don’t need hand-holding,” says Olsen. Hiring managers also want people who thrive in an election’s fast-paced work environment, says Nikki Charlson, deputy state administrator at Maryland's State Board of Elections.

These full- and part-time election jobs* could be just the ticket for your skills and passion.

Poll worker (part-time)

What they do: Oversee the polling site on Election Day by fulfilling duties such as issuing ballots to registered voters, monitoring the voting equipment, and instructing voters how to mark the ballot. Many jurisdictions require poll workers to work a 12- to 14-hour day.

Education requirements: Must be a registered voter in the county in which the municipality is located, pass a basic training course, and speak, read, and write fluently in English.

Median pay: Compensation for poll workers varies by county and state, but they earn on average $150 to $250 for Election Day, says Olsen.

How you know you’re the right fit: Since the pay is low and the hours are long, you need to be passionate about the cause, says Charlson. “[Poll workers] are truly dedicated public servants,” she says.

Election communications coordinator (full-time)

What they do: Manage internal communications and run media relations by writing public information packages, news releases, briefing notes, and background reports.

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or journalism and technical writing experience.

Median pay: Between $31,000 and $55,000 annually, according to PayScale.

How you know you’re the right fit: Without ample media coverage, voter turnout can suffer dramatically. Thus, while mid- and large-size firms in many industries employ a communications coordinator, the role is an integral part in an election office, Olsen says.

Voter outreach coordinator (full-time)

What they do: Organize education efforts with the general public, as well as with niche voters such as senior citizens, college students, and prisoners who are eligible to vote. Many also create video tutorials for online outreach programs.

Education requirements: High school diploma or G.E.D. and clerical work experience.

Median pay: Between $27,000 and $33,000, according to GovernmentJobs.com.

How you know you’re the right fit: Strong communication and customer service skills are a must since you’re interacting directly with voters, says Reed.

Voter translator (part-time)

What they do: Educate voters in foreign languages both leading up to and during Election Day.

Education requirements: Pass a bilingual exam and basic training course.

Median pay: Across the general workforce, translators earn on average $20 per hour, according to PayScale.

How you know you’re the right fit: You have strong communication skills and can break down the complexities of the voting process for foreign-language speakers.

Election technology specialist (full-time)

What they do: Maintain the office’s internal database to keep voters’ personal information secure, fix technological issues, and repair Election Day equipment such as audio ballots.

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in the computer technology field and experience with computer systems hardware configuration and setup.

Median pay: Across the general workforce, IT specialists earn between $34,000 and $90,000 annually, according to PayScale.

How you know you’re the right fit: You can troubleshoot quickly and are open to working outside the traditional 9-to-5, since pressing IT issues sometimes crop up on nights and weekends.

*Job titles may vary.

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