Become an election worker!

Election workers operate the polls on election day and during early voting to ensure voters are able to exercise their rights in an honest and well-organized manner.

Who can be an election worker? You are eligible under Chapter 32 of the TEC if you:

• (§ 32.051) Are a qualified voter of Hays County or the political subdivision;
• A student who is at least 16 years of age and who is enrolled in a public, private high, or home school and has the consent of the principal or parent/legal guardian in charge of education in home school;
• The elections officials must receive written authorization from the student’s parent or guardian for the student to serve in the election for which he or she is appointed. 
• This program is designed to provide students with a greater awareness of the electoral process and the rights and responsibilities of voters.
• Students will assist their local election officials by filling polling place positions during early voting or on Election Day and by working under the direction of the polling place presiding judge.
• Are fluent in English and Spanish (for bilingual clerks);
• (§ 32.052) Are not an elected public officer;
• (§ 32.053) Are not a candidate (except for the offices of county clerk or precinct chair) in a contested public or party office;
• (§ 32.054) Are not an employee or related within the second degree by consanguinity or affinity of an opposed candidate for a public or party office;
• (§§ 32.055 and 32.0551) Are not a campaign treasurer or campaign manager of a candidate;
• (§ 32.0552) Have not been convicted of an election offense;
• Enjoy interaction with the public;
• Have dependable transportation to the election polling locations;
• Can work variable or long hours on election day; and
• Are detail-oriented, able to take direction well, and not easily distracted.

When are election days and what are the hours worked?

Uniform elections occur on the second Saturday in May and the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Primary elections are mostly scheduled for the first Tuesday in March during even-numbered years, though delays may occur due to, e.g., census redistricting. Early voting in May occurs between the 12th day prior through the 4th day prior to that election. November early voting begins 17 days prior and continues through the 4th day prior to that election.

Election workers arrive at the polling place at 6:00 a.m. on election days and must remain until the polls are closed and results are either called in or transported to election central. Polling places for election day are always open between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Early voting hours vary from election to election.

What type of people work as election workers?

Just about everyone! We have senior citizens, retirees, professionals, self-employed entrepreneurs, college students, and many more. This creates a highly diverse workforce reflecting the residents of Hays County! We are also looking for individuals who, in addition to being fluent in English, can also speak other languages, particularly Spanish. If you are fluent in another language, please indicate this on your application form.

Are election workers paid?

Elections now pay $12.00/hour to the presiding judge, $12.00/hour to the presiding alternate judge, and $11.00/hour to election clerks. The Presiding Judge of the Precinct receives an additional $25.00 flat bonus for pickup and delivery of election supplies. All early voting clerks receive $11.00/hour as there are no presiding judges during this one- to two-week period. Opportunities are available during both early voting prior to each election and election day itself. Computer training is available for early voting and schools of instruction are held prior to most elections, both at no cost to election workers. In person training attendance pays $11.00/hour.

How do I apply?

If you would be interested in working, complete the Poll Worker Application Form (disponible en español aquí). Submit your completed form as an attachment to elections@co.hays.tx.us. Alternatively, you can mail your completed form to:

Hays County Elections

712 South Stagecoach Trail

Suite 1012

San Marcos, TX 78666-6294

Finally, you may also fax your completed form to (512) 878-6699.

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