Become a Poll Worker

The right to vote is one of our nation's oldest and most important entitlements, and with this right comes responsibility. Free and open elections are the basis on which this country was formed and you can make a difference by becoming a poll worker to help protect those freedoms.

The Board of Elections is committed to fulfilling its responsibility to the citizens of New York State by providing fair and accurate elections. This responsibility and the credit associated with it must be shared with the many dedicated workers that help make elections successful. You can get involved and become a proud participant in a process that is the foundation of democracy in our country.

Come work with us. Fill out our online form if you're interested in becoming a poll worker for Orange County.

Absentee Voting as Election Worker

If you are not assigned to work in the district you vote in, you could vote by absentee.
Please complete the application (PDF) and mail it to:
OCBOE
P.O. Box 30
Goshen, NY 10924

When You Are Needed

You will be needed just a few days a year: Primary Day in June and Election Day in November.  For the 2022 General Election, during Early Voting, October 29th to November 6th, and Election Day, November 8th.

Tasks You Will Perform as a Poll Worker

• Prepare the polling place for voting
• Set up the voting equipment
• Sign-in and process voters
• Enforce social distancing
• Demonstrate voting procedures to the voters
• Sanitize voting equipment
• Close the polling place
• Canvass and report the results
• Assist voter if requested

Eligibility

You are eligible to serve as a poll worker if you:

Are an Orange County registered voter. If you are 17 years old, you may be eligible if your school district participates in a program under Education Law Section 3207-a. Interpreters do not need to be registered voters.

Compensation

You will be compensated by your board of elections.