Campaigns, Computer Skills, Customer Support/Service, Detail Oriented, Financial Reporting, Interpersonal Skills, Legal, Lift/Move 30 Pounds, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Maintain Compliance, Operations Management, eBooks
An election clerk is responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and smooth operation of the voting process at a polling location. Woking under the direct supervision of an Election Judge, they perform essential clerical and customer service duties to assist voters and manage polling location operations.
Core Responsibilities:
- Set up polling locations: Prepare the physical voting location by setting up voting equipment, tables, chairs, and mandatory signage.
- Verify Voter Eligibility: greet arriving voters, review acceptable forms of identification, and verify registration status by using an electronic poll book.
- Process and Assist Voters: guide voters through the check-in process, issue correct ballot styles, instruct or demonstrate how to use electronic voting equipment and answer non-partisan procedural questions.
- Maintain Order and Security: ensure compliance with Texas Election Code, prevent electioneering within the boundaries outlined by law, and protect the security of ballots and equipment throughout the day.
- Close the polling location: assist with securing the ballots, compiling final voter accounting reports, packing up and securing voting equipment for pick up, and preparing official election documents after the polls close.
Standard Requirements & Qualifications
Age and Registration:
- Must be a qualified voter of the county (student clerks can be 16-17)
- May be a qualified voter of any territory, IF they are a permanent employee of a political subdivision
- Cannot be a candidate running for a contested office on election day and appear on the ballot
- Cannot be related within the second degree by consanguinity or affinity (blood or marriage) to an opposed candidate
- Cannot be an employee of an opposed candidate on the ballot
- Cannot be a campaign manager or treasurer; serving in any other campaign role is also discouraged for election judges and clerks.
- Hold an elective public office
- Have been convicted of a felony or election offense
Physical Demands
- Ability to lift up to 30-50 lbs. (moving election equipment)
- Sit or stand for extended periods
Time Commitment: willing to work long shifts, typically 12-14+ hours on Election Day
Mandatory Training: attend one of two offered trainings before an election
Key Skills: strong attention to detail, interpersonal communication, neutral public conduct, and basic computer proficiency.