Saving Democracy, One Poll Worker at a Time
- Sarah VanBokkelen
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Tuesday, August 12, is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day! What better way to celebrate than by signing up to work the polls on Election Day or during early voting?
Here in Hamilton County, we’ve just received final confirmation of polling locations and early voting dates, which means now comes the fun part: getting you registered. Ready. Set. Let’s work the polls!
Signing up to become a poll worker in Hamilton County has changed a little bit since 2024. Most importantly, all interested workers must register on the Hamilton County Portal for placement. Please click here to sign up on the Poll worker portal. After signing up on the portal, please email Sarah VanBokkelen at secretary@hamcodemsin.org so we can get you scheduled!
Election Day Roles
When registering to work the polls, you'll choose from three Election Day positions: Judge, Clerk, or Sheriff. Each plays a different role in helping Election Day run smoothly and ensuring voters have a positive experience at the polls.
You'll select your preferred position when you register, so take a moment to learn what each role involves and which might be the best fit for you. Please note: When registering, you'll be asked to select either a Democratic or Republican poll worker position. Poll workers are assigned by party to help ensure bipartisan representation and oversight at each polling location throughout Election Day.
If you're signing up through HamCo Dems, be sure to select Democratic when registering.
Specific Information for Judges
Judges assist voters with accessing their ballot on the voting machine and help ensure each voter successfully completes the voting process. Because Judges work directly with voters throughout the day, this position may require prolonged periods of standing and walking, particularly during busy voting times.
Democratic Judges have two additional responsibilities:
Judges must report to their assigned polling location on Monday evening before Election Day to help set up the polling site.
After polls close, one Democratic Judge from each polling location must accompany the Republican Inspector to the Judicial Center to return voting equipment and submit election results.
Judges play an important role in keeping Election Day organized, accessible, and running smoothly for every voter.
The pay for Judges is $160 for the day, plus $25 for accompanying the Inspector to the courthouse with the votes, $15 for completing online training, and $20 if you bring your own food (recommended). Judges are required to go to the polling place on Monday, November 2, to help set up the polls. The Inspector will call you with the meeting time.
Specific Information for Clerks
Clerks are often one of the first people voters interact with when they arrive at their polling location. They welcome voters, check identification—such as a driver's license or other acceptable form of ID—and use an iPad to help verify voters and move them through the check-in process.
Clerks should be comfortable interacting with the public and using basic technology. Online training is required before Election Day.
This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys helping people and creating a welcoming, positive voting experience.
The Clerk will be paid $130 for the day, plus $15 for completing the county's online training, and $20 as a food allowance if you bring your own food for the day (recommended).
Specific Information for Sheriffs
The Sheriff poll worker position is new to Hamilton County for 2026. Earlier this year, the Hamilton County Election Board voted to add a Sheriff to every polling location.
Despite the title, this position is not an actual law enforcement sheriff. It is a poll worker role focused on welcoming voters, helping maintain an orderly polling place, and ensuring voting procedures are followed fairly and in a bipartisan manner. Sheriffs should be seen—and should act—as helpers for voters and fellow poll workers throughout the day.
Like other poll worker positions, Sheriffs are compensated for their service. The position pays $115 for Election Day, plus $15 for completing the county-required training and a $20 food allowance if you bring your own food for the day.
Other Opportunities
For the 2026 General Election, Hamilton County will have 12 early voting locations across the county.
During the first two weeks of early voting, voting will be available at two locations in Noblesville:
Hamilton County Judicial Center
Hamilton County Fairgrounds
During the final two weeks, eight additional locations will open:
Westfield: 3 locations
Fishers: 2 locations
Carmel: 3 locations
New for 2026: During the last week of early voting, two additional satellite voting locations will open in Sheridan and Cicero, making voting even more accessible for residents across Hamilton County.
If you're interested in working during early voting, please complete this volunteer form, and we'll help connect you with available opportunities. Early voting and absentee poll workers are compensated at $19 per hour.
Couple of Important Notes:
Vote Early
If you sign up to work at a polling site that is not your voting location, you must vote absentee by mail or at any Satellite/Early voting site in Hamilton County. Let me know if you need those dates and locations. Remember, workers cannot leave during the day, even to go vote.
Leave Political Discussions At the Door
Please be careful not to have any political discussions while voters are at the polling site. Never give a voter your opinion or attempt to influence their vote in any way.
Watch Your Text Messages
The Republican Inspector is the person responsible for the polling site. The Inspector will contact you a few days before the election with further instructions on setup times and other important information.
Election Day Notes
The polls open at 6am and close at 6pm. By state law, all workers must be at polls by 5am.
If you work the polls outside your own precinct, you will need to vote ahead of election day at an early voting location. You will not be allowed to leave the polling place during the day.
Be sure that your voter registration address is up-to-date online by Monday, October 5th.
Required poll worker training will be online only. The Elections Office will email you a link.
Sign Up Today
Sign up to work the polls today. Please click here to sign up on the Poll worker portal. After signing up on the portal, please email Sarah VanBokkelen at secretary@hamcodemsin.org so we can get you scheduled!
This post was updated from a 2024 blog written by one of our amazing volunteers, Lori Hand.
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