Help Your Community. Support Local Elections.
Want a behind-the-scenes look at how elections work? Registered voters in Harnett County can play an important role in the voting process by serving as temporary election officials during Early Voting and on Election Day.
Election workers help keep polling places running smoothly by assisting voters, supporting election procedures, and helping make sure every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot. It is a great way to serve your community, gain valuable work experience, meet new people, and be part of the election process right here in Harnett County.
Election workers are paid for their service. Mandatory training is required before each election.
Interested in becoming an election worker? Please review the job requirements, then click the button below to complete the Election Worker Application. Completed applications may be submitted online, by mail, or in person.
Election Worker Roles and Duties
Temporary election officials are used to support both Early Voting and Election Day operations.
Judges and Chief Judges are appointed by the chairs of the political parties of Harnett County and serve two-year terms.
Registered voters of Harnett County may also submit applications to work as Election Assistants through the Harnett County Board of Elections office.
Student Assistant positions are also available for eligible students who want to learn more about elections and serve their community.
No matter the role, election workers are an essential part of the voting experience. They help welcome voters, keep lines moving, answer questions, and support the daily operations of the polling place. Duties may include checking in voters using election software on laptops, issuing ballots, assisting voters, helping curbside voters, managing lines and crowd flow, directing voters in parking areas, and completing other duties as assigned.
Election workers should be prepared to help wherever needed. This may include indoor and outdoor assignments, setting up and breaking down the voting site, and following all election laws, procedures, and assigned duties throughout the day.
Job Requirements
Election workers must:
- Be at least 18* years of age and legally eligible to work in the US.
- Be a resident and registered voter in Harnett County, NC.
- Be available for the full Election Day, approximately 5:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Maintain confidentiality of voter information and sign an oath of party/candidate impartiality.
- Be able to read and write along with basic typing and computer skills.
- Be able to sit and stand for extended periods.
- Be willing to work all positions and duties, including curbside voting, outdoor voter assistance, and breaking down the site.
- Have reliable transportation to and from the voting site.
- Attend mandatory training.
- Attend a meeting at the voting site the night before Election Day to set up and discuss assignments.
*Students who are at least 17 years of age at the time of the election or primary may be eligible to serve. For further details and application click here: Student Worker Application
Please note: Some individuals are not eligible to serve as election workers, including elected officials, current candidates or their near relatives, political party or organization officers, candidate managers or treasurers, and individuals who solicit contributions for a candidate or referendum or make public statements intended for general distribution that support or oppose any candidate or referendum.
If you want a front-row seat to the civic process and are passionate about helping voters make their voices heard, serving as an election worker may be the perfect way to get involved. As an election worker, you’ll play a real role in local elections.
Ready to jump in? We’d love to have you on the team!
Helpful Links for Election Workers
The documents below are provided as reference materials only. They are in addition to the mandatory in-person training that election workers must sign up for and attend. These documents are not a substitute for attending training.
Election Worker Application
Student Worker Application
Check-In Station Guide
Curbside Station Guide
Help Station Guide
NCSBE Get Involved In Elections
Voice of Election Officials
Photo ID Laws
G.S. § 163‑41 Article 5, Precinct Election Officials
Election Worker Pay Sheet 2026 Primary
