Please complete the two-step process below to submit your poll worker application.

Step 1
Submit the online Poll Worker Application.

Step 2
Visit one of the three elections offices located in Sarasota, Venice or North Port and:
 

• Present your original signed Social Security card and Florida Driver license for payroll and employment verification purposes.
• Submit a completed Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) form. Section 1 of the form may be completed and printed prior to arriving. Elections office staff will assist with I-9 Form completion.

Once your application is processed and all noted items above are received, you will receive a welcome email from the Poll Worker team.

If you are a current high school student, please complete the Student Poll Worker Application.

Poll workers must be registered voters of Sarasota County (students who are at least 16 years old may apply to become student poll workers) and meet the following requirements: 

 

• Read, write and speak English
• Be able to sit or stand for long periods
• Be able to arrive and start work at 6:00 a.m. on election day and work until after the polls close at 7 p.m.
• Be able to lift up to 40 pounds with another poll worker
• Have an email address and access to a computer and the internet

Poll workers are required by law to complete online and in-person training prior to each election. For more information, call 941.861.8640.

Poll workers are paid $190 to $315 per election, based on position. A poll worker must successfully complete training and work at the poll to receive compensation.

All poll workers must complete the required training and work at their assigned polling places on election day from 6:00 a.m. until the last voter has voted, closing procedures have been completed and they are dismissed by the clerk. Some poll workers also help set up their assigned polling places the day before the election. See the following list of positions for more information.

The clerk is the lead election board member at the polling location and is responsible for managing the polling room while following election law and procedures.

The assistant clerk assists the clerk and assumes responsibility for the polling place if the clerk is unavailable; he or she helps oversee the polling room operation, performs voting system opening and closing procedures with the clerk and may also act as an inspector to assist voters.

The inspector sets up the electronic poll books and registration table, processes voters, issues ballots, instructs the voter on how to cast the ballot and ensures that the ballot is accepted by the ballot scanner/tabulator. This is the position most new poll workers assume when working at the polls for the first time.

The deputy maintains order outside the polling place and, with the clerk, designates and ensures compliance with the no solicitation zone, ensures that the polling room is accessible to all voters and issues “I Voted” stickers.

Questions? Please call the Poll Worker Department at 941.861.8640.