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Kathy Dent
Supervisor of Elections
Sarasota County, Florida

• The services provided by poll workers are essential to the election process. Poll workers are helpful and courteous at all times.

• The clerk is in charge of the polling location, the assistant clerk is second-in-command. Both positions require minimal computer experience. The clerk and/or the poll worker coordinator will contact you regarding assignments at the polls. 

• New applicants may be assigned as stand-by poll workers. Stand-bys could be called upon to work at any time prior to election day and sometimes on election morning.  It is important that every stand-by poll worker be prepared for a last minute call!

• Poll workers are paid only if they work an election.  Prior to an election, poll workers and stand-bys must attend training workshops as required by Florida law. (F.S. 102.014).  Stand-by poll workers are paid for attending training workshops if they are not called to work on election day.  Poll workers are expected to pass minimum competency requirements to work.

• On election day you must report to your assigned polling location no later than 6:00 a.m. Parking spaces adjacent to polling places should be left for voters. The polls close at 7:00 p.m. and everyone is required to work the full day.  No one is released until all election board tasks are completed, and the clerk authorizes the dismissal.

• Proper attire (business casual) is required. Poll workers shall not wear any jewelry, buttons, pins, etc., that suggest political party affiliation or promote a candidate or any issue on the ballot.

• Poll workers shall not make any partisan statements or remarks while working at the polls or engage in conversation involving the personal business of the voter to other poll workers.

• Everyone should come prepared to spend a full day, bringing lunch, supper and any other necessities such as medicine, etc.  No one may leave the polling place during the day. 

• Must be able to lift 45 lbs with co-worker.

• Smoking is not permitted by poll workers within or near the entrance to the polling facility.

• Personal cell phones are not to be used in the polling room.

If you have any questions, please call the poll worker coordinator in Sarasota at 861-8640