Work at the Polls!

What is an Election Worker?

Hidalgo County Election Workers work at the polls on election day and during early voting to assist voters are able to exercise their right to vote in an honest and well-organized manner. Hidalgo County needs approximately 500 Election Workers for each general election.

Who can be an Election Worker?

You are eligible if you are registered to vote in Hidalgo County, do not hold an elected office and are not an employee of an elected official. Workers must be able to interact with the public, detail-oriented, able to take direction well.

When are election days and what are the hours worked?

General elections are held each year on the first Tuesday of November. Primary elections, if held, are always scheduled for the second Tuesday in March on even numbered years. Uniform elections are held on the first Saturday in February, the second Saturday in May and the second Saturday in September. Early Voting begins 17 days prior to any election and continues through the 4th day prior to that election.

Election Workers arrive at polling places at 6:00 a.m. on election days and must remain there until the polls are closed and results are called in or transported to Election Central. Polling places for election day are always 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Early voting hours differ from election to election; however, voting hours normally begin at 7:00 a.m. and end at 7:00 p.m.

How do I apply?

• You can fill out the Poll Worker Application and email.
• You may also submit a completed application to our office in person or can fax in the application to the information listed below

What type of people work as Election Workers?

Just about everyone! We have senior citizens and baby-boomers, professionals, self-employed individuals and those that are retired. This creates a highly diverse workforce. We are also looking for workers who, in addition to being fluent in English, can also speak other languages, especially Spanish. If you are fluent in another language, please indicate this on your application form.

Are Election Workers paid?

Election workers are paid for the days they work during the election process. Training compensation is also provided to the poll workers except during a Primary Election.