Want to be a poll worker in Nevada’s elections? Here’s what to know.

If you go to a polling place in person, you will find election workers who help the train of democracy run smoothly — from signing people in before casting their ballot to helping guide the line. In other words, their job is to keep the process as orderly as possible. 

And you can be part of that, too, if you meet the requirements. Bilingual people who speak English and Spanish, Filipino, or Mandarin are highly sought after. 

To be a poll worker, you must be at least 18 and registered to vote in Nevada, or 16 and be enrolled in high school; not be a candidate or related to a candidate; be available to work during early voting, Oct. 19 through Nov. 1, and Election Day, Nov. 5; and complete the required training. 

Election workers should also be able to stand or sit for long periods of time, have a reliable email address, and be able to follow instructions. Positions include voting site managers, assistant managers, ballot clerks, greeters, and ballot and supply runners.

During early voting and Election Day, poll workers will often work long hours, in some cases up to 14 hours. They help set up and take down the polling location, protect ballots and voting equipment, verify voter eligibility, and provide assistance to voters. 

The hiring and training process is completed at the county’s discretion. Check out the Nevada Secretary of State’s website for all of the counties’ information on how to become a poll worker. 

If you’re in Clark or Washoe counties, we give you the rundown below.

Clark County 

In Clark County, Election Day poll workers receive a flat $200 or $250 for the day, and early voting poll workers are paid between $17 and $20 per hour, depending on the position. Clark County also pays workers who are required to attend training $50 for the class.

You can apply by emailing [email protected], calling (702) 455-2815, or online.  People who can work both during early voting and on Election Day are preferred. 

Washoe County 

Depending on the position, the Washoe County election department pays early voting election workers between $16 and $18 an hour, and a flat compensation between $175 and $225 for Election Day workers. 

All positions receive $25 for training and $25 for “Election Eve” pre-setup, which is optional except for managers and assistant managers.

Supply and ballot runners receive $16 an hour plus mileage reimbursement during early voting and on Election Day, with an additional $5 per day cell phone reimbursement if used for election-related business. 

If you live in Washoe County, you can apply online here.

Poll worker protections

In recent years, election workers have experienced threats, intimidation, and rowdy behavior from people who believe elections are rigged or that there has been fraud of some kind. (There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in Nevada.)

Because of that, Nevada officials passed SB 406 last year, which made it a felony to harass, threaten, or intimidate election workers.  

The law also clarified that harassment or intimidation can happen at locations other than polling places and protects election workers from “doxxing.” 

Some people might still want to participate as poll observers (citizen volunteers who watch the process take place) but they must also follow the rules, stay in their designated space, and not interfere with the voting process — cannot talk to voters or harass election workers. 

Are you ready to vote? Make sure to check your voter registration status, see who’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.