Election Officials
Election Officials, or Poll Workers, facilitate the right to vote and maintain order at the polls on Election Day. They ensure that our elections are open, fair, impartial, and trusted.
One of the most rewarding ways to become involved in the election process is to become an Election Official.
Apply to be an Election Official
Pay
The City of Madison pays its Election Officials an hourly living wage, which is adjusted annually for inflation. The 2020 living wage is $13.62 an hour. Election Officials will earn an additional $8.17 an hour for their time at the polls on August 11 and on November 3, 2020, for a total of $21.79 an hour.
The City of Madison Payroll requires a Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate before it will issue paychecks. New Election Officials need to complete a W-4 form and return it to the City Clerk's office prior to Election Day. Starting in 2020, new Election Officials must also complete Wisconsin form WT-4. Forms W4 and WT-4 only need to be submitted once.
Election Officials may choose to receive pay via direct deposit by submitting a Direct Deposit Authorization Agreement. Be sure to use the correct routing number from a check, not a deposit slip. Routing numbers for direct deposit never begin with a "5".
To cancel direct deposit, submit a Direct Deposit Termination form.
High School Students
High School students must submit an Authorization Form signed by the parent/guardian and the High School principal for each election. Learn more about becoming a Student Election Official.
Employer Certification
Employers (other than the City of Madison) that pay their employees to work at the polls on Election Day may require proof that their employees worked without pay. Election Officials who need this certification may print and bring the Election Official Certification for Employer to the polls.
Assignments
Approximately five weeks before each election, Election Officials who indicated availability on their scheduling survey will receive an email message providing their assignment and a link to the training schedule. All scheduling communications are best handled via email to madisonvotes@cityofmadison.com. Phone calls are less efficient and effective.
Why am I a poll worker?
I was raised to believe that working at the polls was my civic duty. As long as I am able, I want to help people exercise their right to have their voice heard. Besides, it's fun. -Sue G.
I work at the polls to experience the real world outside my daily routine. It is like a vacation, doing something different, interesting, and fun. -Jean P.
You keep in touch with your neighbors and have a feeling of satisfaction that you are doing something worthwhile to help your neighborhood. There is joy in being part of something of value. -Sharon F.