Becoming an Election Official
Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming an Election Official
You must be at least 18 years of age.
A registered voter in Benton County.
Be comfortable learning to work the Electronic Poll Books and the Election Machines.
Be comfortable working a 13–15-hour day (depending on the Election).
Able to stand and sit for long periods of time.
Must be available for BOTH the Primary and General Elections in Even Number years.
Be able to read and write the English language.
Be able to get along with fellow election officials.
Deal with voters in a courteous, efficient, and fair manner.
Follow the procedures as set out in the State of Arkansas Election Laws.
Be willing to attend a one day training class.
You can choose to volunteer your time or be paid. Election officials are paid $11.00 an hour. However, because the General Election year is every other year, election work can be sporadic and should never be considered full or part-time employment.
Start by filling out an online application and submit it to the Benton County Election Commission. If your application is selected, upon hiring you will be required to complete additional paperwork and attend a mandatory training class prior to working.
Yes, all Poll workers are required by Arkansas Election Law to be trained and pass a test before a Primary Election. You will need to be able to attend an 8-hour training prior to a Primary or General Election.
A normal Election Day is 7:00 a.m. to around 8:00 p.m.; however, the Election Supervisor will contact you to let you know what time to be at the polls for set-up. Election Officials, typically work until the polls close.
In an even-numbered Election year, there will be a Primary in March (for presidential years) or May, possibly a Primary Run-off four weeks later, General Election in November, and possibly a General Election Run-off four weeks later. The size of the election will determine the number of election officials needed, so you may not work every election. Your poll Supervisor will contact you to let you know that your polling location is open for an election and you are needed for that election.
