Support the Polls
ACTION 2
Poll workers, poll observers, and poll drivers are critical paid or volunteer positions that ensure a smooth, stress-free election day. We need more of them!
The information below details how to take on one of these vital roles.
Become a Poll Worker
These are specific positions set up by your local election office. Tasks can include:
Checking in voters
Answering their questions
Translating information
Setting up and testing voting machines
Counting ballots
Anything else needed to ensure the day runs smoothly and no one is turned away.
Every county and municipality is different but there are 5 main steps to take this action.
Go to workelections.org to find your local poll worker information.
Fill out the application or form that pops up to apply.
Keep watch for an email from your election office about next steps. Reach out directly if you don’t hear back within 2 weeks.
Complete any requirements your election office has such as training.
Arrive early and complete your election day shift.
Become a Poll Observer
These are volunteer positions available to anyone to observe elections, document any issues, and call in emergency voter violations. We’re supporting Common Cause and ACLU Massachusetts on their Poll Monitoring Program to make this process as easy and accessible as possible.
To become a Poll Observer please follow these steps:
Join the program at https://protectthevote.net/ by filling out the form (pseudonyms are ok).
*Be sure you go to .net! There are copycats just collecting your data.
Watch your email for confirmation and a link to sign up for training.
Sign up for the training that works best for you. This is required to volunteer for any election even if you’ve taken it before and is about 1.5 hours long.
Complete the training and quiz.
Watch your email for next steps about picking a polling location and receiving materials for the day-of.
*Boston and New Bedford locations are at risk of a higher federal officer presence. This can increase the likelihood of voters feeling unsafe, being intimidated, or mistakenly turned away. Help us make them feel safe and keep voters showing up. Please consider volunteering at these locations if you’re able to.
If you have any questions or run into any issues with this process, please reach out to Common Cause directly at TBD.
Become a Poll Driver
These are paid or volunteer positions available to anyone to help fellow voters get to their polling locations. Transportation is often a barrier for many trying to cast their ballots. While absentee and mail-in ballots solve some of this problem, it doesn’t solve the entire thing. According to a 2021 Harvard study, owning a car increases a person’s likelihood of voting by 33%.
There are a few ways to do this based on your comfort and safety levels:
Sign up with VoteRun to become a vetted driver for your local community. This is a formal application that requires a background check to ensure everyone’s safety.
Reach out to local community members you already know and offer rides. This requires no sensitive information but still protects your safety.
Post in your local Facebook group offering rides. This also requires no sensitive information but is the highest risk to your personal safety.
All information on this page is for informational purposes only and does not reflect official policy positions or endorsements. Commonwealth United Inc. d/b/a Mass 50501 is not responsible for user interpretations, actions, or outcomes.