ELECTION INSPECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION 

CITY OF GLENDALE 

The City of Glendale encourages all citizens to vote and become involved in the election process. One of the best ways to contribute is to serve the community as an Election Inspector, or Poll Worker. Citizen involvement is essential in conducting open, accurate, and fair elections. We hope you will consider participating in the election process by signing up. To help you make an informed decision before applying, please review the following information.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Election inspectors conduct assigned duties at a polling location on Election Day. They work directly with voters and general duties include:   

 Organize the polling place before the polls open

 Election day voter registration

 Checking in voters using the electronic poll books, issuing ballots and sequential election day voter numbers

 Assisting voters and providing instruction, as necessary

 Processing absentee ballots

 Monitoring the voting equipment

 Signing and assisting with closing paperwork for the City and County

HOURS OF WORK: 

Polling places are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Election Inspectors work a full day, generally from 6:00 a.m. until approximately 9:30 p.m., or longer in the case of larger elections (such as November general elections). Half-day shifts may also be available upon request. Breaks and lunch/dinner hours are allowed and determined by the Chief Election Inspector. For busier elections, you are encouraged to bring snacks/dinner with you.

COMPENSATION: 

Election Inspectors are compensated for working at the polling place and for attending required training sessions. The current pay is $15.00/hr. If you wish to receive payment, you must bring your Photo ID and Social Security Card to your training class, as it is needed for payroll purposes. You may also choose to work as a volunteer.

LENGTH OF COMMITMENT: 

Election Inspectors are appointed to one-year terms. However, committing to an election or being available to fill in at the last moment is also appreciated.

LOCATION OF WORK: 

Every effort is made to assign an election inspector to their preferred polling place. However, there are times when the City Clerk requires election inspectors to be willing and flexible in order to cover vacancies at other sites. 

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/ABILITIES: 

 Be a resident of Milwaukee County and U.S. Citizen

 At least 18 years of age; or if at least 16 years of age, must meet the following criteria: enrolled in grades 9-12 in a public or private school, has at least a 3.0 GPA, provide written approval from a parent/guardian, provide written approval from the principal if the GPA is less than 3.0

 No unpardoned felony convictions and not otherwise disqualified from voting

 Be able to speak, read, and write fluently in the English language

 Have strong clerical and analytical skills

 Be able to work as a team

 Enjoy people and service to others

 Be able to solve problems

 Detail oriented

 Be an effective communicator and active listener

 NOT be a candidate for any office to be voted on at the polling place at that election

 Must have experience working with diverse groups of people in a public environment

 Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time

 Must be able to lift 30 pounds

 Ability to comfortably use technology

TRAINING REQUIREMENT: 

Election inspectors are required to attend a minimum of a 1-hour training class prior to each election assigned to work, as well as any additional required trainings which may be deemed necessary.

ELECTION DAY LEAVE: 

Wisconsin law requires every employer to grant an unpaid leave of absence to each employee who is appointed to serve as an election official, if the employee who serves as an election official provides his or her employer with at least 7 days notice. The leave is for the entire 24-hour period of each Election Day in which the employee serves in his or her official capacity as an election official. Upon request of any employer, municipal clerks must verify appointments.

Election Inspectors may not serve at an election where their spouse or immediate family member is a candidate on the ballot, or under other circumstances where a candidate’s success or failure to win election would affect the election inspector financially. You would need to contact the Clerk’s Office if this impacts you at a particular election.