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.

• Application for 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

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.