A registered Virginia voter, who isn’t an elected official or an employee of an elected official, can be an election official.

On Election Day, you must be available to serve from approximately 5 am to 9 pm or later (polls are open 6 am to 7 pm). If you are also interested in working during the 45-Day Early Voting period, we offer shifts.

Helpful traits to have include good communication skills, high energy level, enjoying being with people, being detail-oriented, and patience. Computer skills are also valuable!

Prior to election day, Election Officials attend a training to prepare to do the following.

• Set up voting equipment.
• Check voter IDs and check names on the electronic poll book.
• Instruct voters in using the voting machines.
• Tabulate the results at the close of polls.

Election Officials are paid $165 for working the full Election Day. Chiefs and Assistant Chief Officers are paid more.

You may also volunteer your time instead of being paid.

The Electoral Board makes every effort to assign you as close as possible to your “home” precinct or to a nearby precinct. However, if your precinct is full, or there is greater need elsewhere in the county, you may be assigned a precinct that is short staffed, or to the Central Absentee precinct.

If you are interested in helping out with the Early Voting Precinct or the pre-processing of mail-in ballots, which operates 45 days prior to every election; please be sure to answer "Yes" to the early voting question on the application. 

Normally, new officers attend a basic training session, plus a more detailed training session along with all the other officials assigned to their precinct. A stipend of $10 will be added to your pay for each training session attended.

Existing officials attend training prior to each general election, and chief and assistants receive additional training.

 Apply to be an Election Official: 

Click HERE to apply online.

or Download and print Election Official Application fill it out, and return application to the Elections Manager by: 

• Scan and send to electionmanager@albemarle.org
• Fax to 434-972-4178
• Mail to:
  • Election Manager
    435 Merchant Walk Square, Suite 300
    PMB 160
    Charlottesville VA 22902
• Drop off

Questions about applying to be an Election Official? Contact Erin Davis, Elections Manager at 434-972-4173.