In the 2020 presidential election, 227,561 votes were cast in Virginia Beach. Each voter was checked in by an election official who verified their registration information and later helped count those votes safely and accurately. These officials, often called poll workers, keep our elections running smoothly and could use some extra help.

In Virginia Beach, approximately 1,300 poll workers are needed to staff the 108 polling places during general elections like the one coming up on November 5. These dedicated volunteers perform many tasks, such as greeting voters as they arrive and ensuring they have the necessary materials ready, checking voters in and confirming their registration, and assisting voters with questions or concerns about their ballot.

Anyone applying to serve as an election official will receive training to prepare them for their assigned duties and will be expected to adhere to Virginia’s election policies and standards. Interested individuals should meet the requirements and qualifications listed below.

If you have questions about your job as an election official, contact the Office of Voter Registration & Elections by phone at 757-385-8683 or email [email protected]. The deadline to register for the November elections is September 15.

In addition to the important role you play in our election process, you can also earn extra money as a poll worker. Those who complete the required training and work on Election Day will be compensated for their time – a total of $265.

Whatever your reason for participating, whether it’s civic duty, curiosity about how our voting system works, or a desire to earn some extra money, the Office of Voter Registration and Elections appreciates your help.

For more information, visit VirginiaBeach.gov/election-official.

Requirements and required qualifications

• Must be a registered voter of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

• May not hold any elected office or be an employee of an elected official.

• Attendance at training is mandatory.

• Be able to speak, read and write English.

• Be patient when interacting with many different people during a long day.

• May not engage in political discussions with voters and/or other election officials.

• No bias or opinions about the election or any of the candidates may be communicated at the polling station.

• Must be prepared to do whatever is necessary to maintain and secure the election environment.

• Election officials work for the Board of Elections and follow policies and standards that result in exceptional customer service and help our citizens have a successful and positive voting experience.