New election workers

Application 

If you would like to be considered for a position as an election worker, complete the election worker application.

Note: Those that are 16 or 17 years olds can also apply using the same link to be trainee election workers.

You can also request a paper application by contacting us at elections@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2503.

Selection process

If you meet the qualifications to be an election worker, you will receive an interest letter approximately three months prior to every election. This is how you will tell us your availability and work preferences. This letter will be emailed unless you request to receive communications by mail.

If you are assigned to work at a polling place, you will receive an assignment letter from the city approximately two months before Election Day. This letter will contain the details of your assignment, including where and when you will work on Election Day, and information on how to complete required training.

Note: We are unable to assign every person who applies to serve. Appointments are made based on need, expected turnout, our ability to achieve party balance at each polling place as required by state law and the worker's ability to successfully meet required qualifications and complete all training.

All applications we receive are entered into our database and are retained for recruitment efforts for both the upcoming and future elections.

If at any time you want to be removed from our database, contact us at elections@stlouisparkmn.gov  or call 952.924.2503.

Returning workers

If you are a returning election worker, you will receive communications from us via email with information on how to sign up to work prior to each election cycle. You do not need to complete another application. If you want to update your availability, verify your contact information or make sure that you are in our database, contact us at elections@stlouisparkmn.gov or call 952.924.2503.

Below are the required and desired qualifications for election workers. 

Required qualifications

• Eligible to vote in Minnesota
• Ability to read, write and speak English
• Ability to comply with all current election laws, regulations and procedures
• Ability to complete mandatory (paid) training sessions (two to five hours depending on assigned position)
• Cannot be a spouse, parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, sibling or stepsibling of any current election worker serving in the same precinct or of any candidate in that election
• Cannot live, either permanently or temporarily, with any candidate on the ballot at that election
• Cannot be a candidate in the election

Note: Students 16 and 17 years-old can be election worker trainees.

Desired qualifications

• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with all voters
• Strong understanding of and commitment to nonpartisanship
• Comfort assisting and serving diverse populations
• Language skills to assist non-English speaking voters
• Demonstrate attention to detail
• Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and professionally
• Comfortable using technology
• Flexibility on precinct assignment
• Ability to work long hours on Election Day
• Preference is given to St. Louis Park residents and those committed to working full-day shifts

Election workers are paid $15 – $20 per hour, depending on the assignment.

You can also choose to volunteer your time and serve without pay.

Training 

All election workers are required to attend training sessions either online or in person that cover the equipment you will use on Election Day, the various duties you may be asked to perform and all of the associated election laws and requirements that pertain to your job as an election worker. This training helps ensure that you understand what will be required of you on Election Day and that you are prepared to provide outstanding service to the voters in your precinct. You will be paid for your attendance at training.

Administrative training is generally two hours. Technical and leadership positions for experienced workers require an additional two to three hours of training.

We understand that circumstances and schedules can change, and every effort will be made to find suitable alternatives for you to complete training. However, please note that if you fail to complete any portion of the required training, you will not be able to work in a precinct on Election Day.

View the election worker training guide to learn more about the training process!

Schedule

A typical schedule on Election Day is from 5:30 a.m. to around 9 p.m. Half day shifts are also available.

State law allows for time off from work to serve as an election worker – without loss of wages (Minnesota Statute 204B.195).

To qualify for time off, you must:

• Provide your employer with at least 20 days’ written notice, and attach the pay rate you will receive to serve as an election worker and the hours you will serve. Once you are selected to be an election worker, you can email the city clerk's office at elections@stlouisparkmn.gov, and they will provide certification detailing your hourly pay and hours you will serve.

Your employer may:

• Reduce your salary or wages by the amount you are paid as an election worker during the time you are away from work.
• Restrict the number of its employees serving as election workers to no more than 20 percent from a single work site.

You may voluntarily take a vacation day to receive full pay from your employer and election worker pay as extra income. However, an employer cannot force you to take vacation or any other form of paid leave.

You can give your employer a memo that explains your right to receive time off to serve as an election worker.

The city provides students ages 16 and 17 the opportunity to serve as trainee election workers alongside election workers. Serving as a trainee election worker is a great way to serve your community and gain valuable experience while earning money.

Trainee election workers will receive training and be paid for their work.

Learn more about trainee election workers.