About Becoming a Precinct Official
What is a Precinct Official?
A precinct official works at the precinct to assist voters in voting, and to report
the votes to the elections office when the precinct closes on election night.
Five or more precinct officials staff each of the county's polling places on Election
Day in every Johnston County election. Precinct officials perform many duties, including
making sure voters are registered, handing out ballots, providing voter assistance, and
assisting curbside voters. Becoming a precinct official is a great way to help out in your
community and learn about the elections process. Precinct officials receive compensation
for working on Election Day and for attending all required pre-election meetings and
training sessions.
The Johnston County Board of Elections always needs capable precinct election
officials. If you have questions about becoming an election official, call 919-989-5095
or send an e-mail to elections@johnstonnc.com.
Download an application to become a Precinct Official.
Qualifications for Becoming a Precinct Official
You must:
- Live in Johnston County.
- Be a registered voter in Johnston County.
- Be able to read and write.
You must not:
- Be an elected official in any federal, state or local government.
- Be a candidate for nomination or election.
- Hold any office in a political party or political organization.
- Be a manager or treasurer for any candidate or political party.
Requirements of Precinct Officials
You must:
- Provide your own transportation to and from the polling place.
- Work all day on Election Day (6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. or later). The polls
are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Attend a meeting on the evening before the election to help
set up supplies and election equipment at the polling place.
- Attend all required training sessions.
Required Training for Precinct Officials
All precinct officials are required to attend multiple training sessions conducted
by the Board of Elections prior to each major primary and general election. Workers
receive an Election Manual and related handouts at training session. The training
classes cover specific issues related to the upcoming election. Workers receive
$15 for each training session they attend in addition to their election day compensation.
You must work on Election Day in order to receive compensation for training.
Compensation for Precinct Officials
| |
Election Day |
Each Training |
|
Chief Judge |
$ 200 |
$ 15 |
|
Judge |
$ 150 |
$ 15 |
|
Assistant |
$ 135 |
$ 15 |
|
Special Requirements and Instructions
- Wear comfortable clothing and dress in layers for optimum comfort to account for
varying polling place temperatures.
- Campaign buttons, political jewelry and political slogan T-shirts are not permitted.
- Discussion of politics is not permitted while working at the polls.
- Arrange for enough food and drinks for the entire day.
- Smoking is not permitted in the voting enclosure or on the grounds of most polling places.
- After arriving at the polling place, precinct officials are not permitted to leave until
all supplies are packed after the close of polls.
Your precinct election officials work long hours in demanding conditions to ensure
fair and accurate elections. The next time you vote, be sure to thank your precinct
election officials for serving!
Conduct a Voter Registration Drive
The Board of Elections welcomes community support in registering
Johnston County citizens to vote. There are rules to follow when
registering voters, so it is important to read our
Guide to Conducting Voter Registration Drives
before beginning voter registration activities.
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