Precinct
Officials - Help Wanted!
Are You Interested?
The elections process needs many people
involved. Each election involves quite a number
of people working at the polling places, doing a variety
of jobs – all concerned with furthering the democratic
process. Do you want to help? Here’s
what you need to know:
Qualifications
NC General Statutes 163-41
“Persons appointed… must
be registered voters and residents of the county in which
the precinct is located, of good repute and able to read & write.” “No person shall be
eligible to serve as a precinct official… who
holds any elective office under the government of the
United States or of North Carolina or any political
subdivision thereof.”
“No person shall serve…who
is a candidate for nomination or election.”
“No person shall be
eligible… who holds any office in a state,
congressional district, county, or precinct political
party or political organization, or who is a manager
or treasurer for any candidate or political party,
provided…. a precinct official can be a delegate
to a political party convention.”
How Appointed
Precinct election officials can be
recommended by the political parties and are appointed
by the Board of Elections for a two-year term beginning
in August of odd-numbered years and every two years thereafter.
Each voting place is staffed with
a CHIEF JUDGE, two JUDGES and allotted ASSISTANTS. The
Chief Judge is appointed by the Board of Elections based
on both political party and staff recommendations. The
two Judges represent each political party respectively
and Assistants should represent both parties. Only
one member of a family may serve as a precinct election
official within a given precinct.
Chief Judge
The CHIEF JUDGE is the head official
and is in charge of contacting the polling place, custodian
and the other officials to make arrangements for each
election. The Chief Judge is also responsible for
handling election day activities, as well as picking
up and returning election day supplies before and after
each election.
Judges
The JUDGES work closely with the Chief
Judge and are responsible for conducting the election
in the Chief Judge’s absence. They must sign
all official documents and serve on a panel to resolve
any challenges. The Chief Judge assigns all other
duties.
Assistants
The ASSISTANTS serve when needed and
at the discretion and direction of the Chief Judge. The
Chief Judge assigns all duties.
Special Information
The
Chief Judge and two Judges are required to work each
election. Assistants are allotted when needed.
- Elections
are always held on Tuesdays
- All
polls are open from 6:30 AM until 7:30 PM
- Day
before the election (if possible) set up the precinct
and check machines
- Officials
must be in the working place at 6:00 AM and remain
until all votes have been counted and documents signed – usually
by 8:30 PM. No
precinct election officials may leave the voting place
except in extreme emergencies.
Special Training
GS
163-46 requires all officials to attend training sessions
conducted by the Board of Elections prior to each major
primary and general election. The Chief Judge are
issued an Instructions for Conducting Elections notebook
at the required training session. They received
training concerning specific issues affecting the upcoming
election. Precinct election officials are paid
to attend these training sessions in addition to their
election day compensation.
Compensation for Officials
Chief Judge |
$185 |
Judge |
$140 |
Assistant |
$120 |
PWA |
$140 |
|
