County Employee Poll Worker Program

Voting in Sonoma County Has Changed

In 2022, Sonoma County began conducting elections under a new election model called the Voter's Choice Act. This model utilizes "Vote Centers" intead of traditional polling places.

What's the difference? First, voters are not assigned to one specific location; they can vote at any Vote Center in the county they choose and still obtain the correct ballot. Second, Vote Centers are usually (but not always) open multiple days, not just on Election Day itself.

Poll workers should be comfortable using computers because many of the tasks at Vote Centers rely on them.

Page Contents

Overview

All regular Sonoma County employees are eligible to volunteer as poll workers on Early Voting Days and/or Election Day without loss of their daily pay. In fact, County employees will also earn a stipend provided to all poll workers!

Much like the "Day of Caring," volunteering to work at a Vote Center can be treated as an alternative work assignment on Election Day and/or Early Voting Days.

This program is available to all regular (part-time or full-time) management, confidential, and represented employees; extra-help and contract employees are not eligible.

Poll Worker Duties

There are a variety of duties and training requirements that you may be expected to complete as a poll worker.

Inspectors

Inspectors are "lead" poll workers at the Vote Center. They are responsible for learning and completing election procedures and obtaining supplies. Due to the tasks assigned, Inspectors must have reliable transportation and will be reimbursed for mileage.

Clerks

Clerks are "line workers" in the Vote Center. In addition to helping set up and close the polling place, Clerks are assigned duties that help voters receive and cast their ballots.

Learn more about poll worker duties and requirements

Vote Centers

Each Vote Center has 1-2 Inspectors and 3-8 Clerks

Vote Centers are staffed from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Early Voting Days and approximately 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Election Day. Although it is a long work day, no modification of County (department) shifts or overtime is available.

In addition to normal County wages, a stipend is provided to cover incidental expenses.

How to Apply to the County Employee Poll Worker Program

To volunteer, complete the following steps:

Fill out and submit the Sonoma County Online Poll Worker Application
Print the County Employee Poll Worker Program Request for Leave/Reassignment Form, fill it out, and have your supervisor/manager sign off on it. Then:
- Make a copy of the form and and send it to the Registrar of Voters Office in one of the following ways:
  - Mail it to Sonoma County ROV, PO Box 11485, Santa Rosa, CA 95406
  - Scan it or take a picture of it and email it to rov-polls@sonoma-county.org
  - Fax it to (707) 565-6843
- Give the original form to your department payroll clerk