Become a Poll Worker

How to Serve as a Poll Worker in Your Community                     

To apply to serve as a pollworker, please complete the fillable form and mail/email/drop off with our office.

Read below to learn more about the different positions at a polling place.

Train to Serve Your Community in 1 of the 4 Positions at the Polls

Moderator: The Moderator supervises the operation of the polling place. The Moderator makes sure the Supervisors are assigned in bipartisan pairs according to information provided by the Board of Canvassers. The Moderator handles the DS-200 and ExpressVote and helps voters with the devices when needed. The Moderator handles any break requests by poll workers throughout the day, making sure that breaks are staggered so there is always a minimum of 2-4 Supervisors available. The Moderator is also responsible for reporting any violations to the local Board of Canvassers, including campaigning within the campaign-free zone that extends 50 feet from the polling place’s exterior entrance. The Moderator is responsible for signing any Change Party Disaffiliation forms for voters who wish to switch back to Unaffiliated status after voting in a primary.

ClerkThe Clerk is responsible for making sure all the documents in the polling place are properly filed into the correct envelopes. The Clerk maintains control of all ballots inside the blue supply box. The Clerk processes Provisional ballots for voters, and assist voters with the Voter Affirmation process, which is mostly about change-of address or a name change. An important duty is also accounting for all ballots which are done on the election certificate.

Supervisor: The Supervisors look up each voter in the poll pad and verifies the voter’s identification. The Supervisors also make sure all posters and signage are put up inside and outside the polling place. If a voter needs assistance marking his or her ballot, a bipartisan pair of Supervisors (not of the same political party) is responsible for helping the voter in the booth.

Greeter: The Greeter is available to answer any questions from voters who may not be sure where they vote or if they are registered to vote. By taking care of these questions with the Greeter, this avoids delays at the Supervisor’s table, where they are trying to process voters as quickly as possible. The Greeter is also trained as a supervisor, so it is acceptable for the Greeter to fill in as a supervisor for breaks during off-peak times of the day, and the Greeter helps setup and break-down the polling place.

The pay depends on the position in Woonsocket the pay scale is as follow:

Moderator $220                   Clerk $210                    Supervisor $175                    Greeter $175

All positions require you to attend a training. This training is required for all elections and primaries that you are assigned to work.

On Election Day you are required to work a full day. The hours run from 6am to 9pm. Currently the Woonsocket Board of Canvassers does provide lunch and dinner. Click here to view the Poll Worker training manual.