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1. Did you know?

It takes more than 300 people to operate Gaston County polling places each election. These people are your friends, coworkers and neighbors who give 2 to 3 days of paid service to ensure you have a place to vote on Election Day. We need your help, too! More precinct officials are needed in your neighborhood. Do your part to provide voting opportunities in your community.

Benefits of Being a Precinct Official

• Make friends
• Meet people in your neighborhood
• Have fun
• Learn about elections
• Make extra cash
• Looks great on resumes
• Fulfill your civic duty

2. What do precinct officials do?

As a precinct official, you will work at one of Gaston County's 46 polling places. Precinct officials set up supplies and voting equipment, assist voters, verify their registration, issue ballots and manage crowds. Precinct officials are assigned to positions based on their strengths, interests and experience.

View the Precinct Official Description and Guidelines (PDF).

3. Will I receive training?

Yes. All precinct officials are required by law to attend training classes before each election. You will attend 1 to 4 classes based on your job assignment and level of experience. You will receive payment for attending training classes unless you fail to work on Election Day.

4. What are the qualifications to become a precinct official?

• Must be a Gaston County registered voter (or become registered if eligible)
• Must not be a candidate or relative of a candidate in the election
• Must not be an elected government official, hold office with a political party or be a manager or treasurer for a candidate or political party
• Must not serve at the same polling place as a spouse, child, spouse of a child, sister or brother

5. What are the requirements of precinct officials?

• Must have reliable transportation to and from the polling place
• Must work all day on Election Day (6 am to approximately 9 pm)
• Must assist with the setup of election supplies and voting equipment on the Monday evening before Election Day
• Must not promote or discuss any candidate, political party, policy or cause while working on Election Day
• Must attend all required training classes before each election
• Must work on Election Day in order to receive payment for attending training

6. What are some frequently used knowledge, skills and abilities of precinct officials?

• Ability and knowledge to use computers, including opening and closing procedures for voting machines, using laptops and printers for elections applications, voter look-ups, etc.
• Ability to provide information to voters
• Ability to express oneself clearly and effectively in verbal and written form
• Ability to organize and direct the activities of a polling place
• Ability to lift or move voting machines, precinct supply boxes and other materials needed to operate a polling location

7. How do I become a precinct worker?

You can apply online or you may also stop by our office located at:
410 W Franklin Boulevard
Suite 50
Gastonia, NC 28052

Fill out an application in person or contact the office 704-852-6005 and speak with our staff.

8. What is a student election assistant?

In 2003, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a law allowing high school students to work in the polls on election day. Student Election Assistants carry some of the same responsibilities as election officials and are compensated in the same way. Interested in becoming a student election assistant? 

Become a Student Election Assistant