The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) designated today, August 12, 2025, as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. The EAC is calling on eligible Americans to serve their communities by signing up to become a poll worker today!
Poll workers play a critical role in running successful elections. From setting up polling places to helping voters with the voting process, they help ensure voters have a positive and smooth voting experience. According to the 2024 Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS), over 772,000 poll workers served during the 2024 general election. Yet about 48% of jurisdictions said they had a very or somewhat difficult time recruiting poll workers in their communities.
“We cannot run elections without poll workers,” said EAC Chairman Donald Palmer. “They are often the first point of contact for voters and a critical safeguard for the democratic process. If you care about voting, this is one way that you can help make sure that every vote counts. Poll workers are needed in every election, no matter if it is a presidential election or a small municipal election.”
While Americans of all ages are encouraged to sign up to be a poll worker today, according to the EAC’s latest EAVS, less than 17% of poll workers in the 2024 election were under the age of 40. The EAC encourages younger voters to take advantage of this unique opportunity to support their community, alongside experienced election workers, to ensure there is a robust group of trained poll workers in the years to come.
“Bringing in a new generation of poll workers is essential,” said EAC Vice Chair Thomas Hicks. “There is no better way to get involved, meet your neighbors, and make a meaningful difference in your community. We also know the positive impact it has when voters see their neighbors, friends, and members of their community serving in these positions.”
No prior experience is required! Poll workers are trained and supported by local election offices, and compensation is typically offered for their time. Duties and hours vary by jurisdiction, but the meaningful impact is the same nationwide: poll workers help conduct safe, secure, accurate, and accessible elections.
Learn more about signing up to be a poll worker at HelpAmericaVote.gov.
This day was established by the EAC in 2020 to spotlight the vital role of election workers and encourage more Americans to serve their local communities. Since it started, National Poll Worker Recruitment Day has grown into a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the need.
Last year, election offices in 45 states and Washington, DC joined elected officials, private companies, nonprofit organizations, and others in this effort to bolster poll worker recruitment.
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