Poll workers are the gate keepers of democracy, and you can be part of the process. The elections office employs more than 750 poll workers for early voting and election day who work hard to ensure the conduct of fair and accurate elections. Student poll workers are an integral part of voting process in Sarasota County.
Requirements
To be a poll worker, you must be registered or pre-registered to vote (16 years of age or older), be able to read and write English, participate in required training prior to election day, and work on election day from 6 a.m. until dismissed by the precinct clerk after election day duties are completed, typically a 14-hour day. Student poll workers must also maintain a positive attitude, exhibit professional behavior and remain non-partisan at all times while working and training.
Student poll workers are paid $175 for completing training and working a full election day. Prior to each election a statement of approval form will be sent to your school so that you may receive an excused absence for election day and earn credit for community service. If needed for a class or coursework, college students may submit their community service forms to the Human Resources/Poll Worker department in the Supervisor of Elections office for verification of service hours.
Learn More and Apply
For more information about our student poll worker program, please review the Student Poll Worker Guidelines. You may complete the fillable Student Poll Worker Application and I-9 Form online by clicking on the links below. To complete the process, bring your signed Florida Driver License and Social Security card with your application and I-9 Form to one of our three elections offices so we can copy and include them in your poll worker file. If you need assistance with the I-9 Form, our staff will be happy to help. If you have questions, please call the Poll Worker department at 941.861.8640.