Election Officials Needed

The Story County Auditor's Office is seeking qualified individuals to work at our polls during the primary and general elections.

You can apply online. If you have any questions, please contact the Auditor's Office at (515) 382-7210.

For any election in Story County, we need people to staff the polling places. We welcome all qualified individuals who would be interested in being election officials.

Qualifications

• Registered to vote in Story County
• Not be related within the third degree, by blood or marriage, to any opposed candidate on the ballot at the precinct where you are are working
• Have energy and stamina
• Have good reading and listening skills and legible handwriting
• Enjoy people and service to others
• Willing to attend a training
• Willing to accept a small payment for a BIG service

Iowa state law requires each election official to be a registered voter. You must also be a resident of Story County. Training is required.

Qualified high school students may also be appointed as election officials. To qualify, you must be a US citizen of 17 or older, enrolled full-time in high school, and have the written permission of both your principal and your parent/legal guardian. For more information, contact the Auditor's Office.

Election officials attend a school of instruction before each election which usually lasts about three hours. These sessions are normally held the week prior to the election. Training is paid.

On election day, election officials arrive at a polling place about an hour before the polls open and remain at the polling place for about an hour after the polls close. There are at least three election officials at every polling place. The election workday lasts 14 to 16 hours depending on the election. In some instances, there is also the option of working a half-day.

What Does an Election Official Do?

• Set up the polling place before the polls open
• Set up the voting equipment
• Check that voters are qualified to vote
• Issue ballots to qualified voters
• Instruct voter how to properly use the voting equipment
• Assist voters that request help
• Close the polling place
• Report precinct results after the polls close
• Complete paperwork and pack up voting equipment

Compensation

Election officials are paid $12.00/hour for their work at the polls and for training. Election officials who chair polling places are paid $15.00/hour. Mileage is reimbursed at 50 cents per mile when travel exceeds five miles.

When are Elections Held?

Elections in Iowa are always held on a Tuesday. Polling hours are 7 am to 8 pm for all elections (except in certain rare types of special elections where polls may open at 12 noon).

• SCHOOL/CITY elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of odd-numbered years.
• PARTISAN PRIMARY elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June of even-numbered years.
• GENERAL elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years.

SPECIAL elections may be called on certain dates during the year and are held on a Tuesday. Vacancy elections may be held on any eligible Tuesday.

Upcoming Scheduled Elections

2024

June 4: Primary Election 2024
November 5: General Election 2024

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