17 Poll Worker Interview Questions and Answers

As a poll worker, you will be responsible for setting up voting booths, verifying voter registration, and assisting voters with questions on election day. Poll workers are a vital part of the election process, and their duties vary from state to state.

Most states require poll workers to be registered voters, but there may be other requirements as well. For example, some states require poll workers to be members of a political party, while others do not. Some states also have age restrictions, so it’s important to check with your state election office to see if you meet the requirements.

If you’re interested in becoming a poll worker, the first step is to contact your state election office. Once you’re registered, you will be contacted by your county election office to schedule an interview. This guide will help you prepare for your poll worker interview by providing sample questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working with a diverse group of people?

Working as a poll worker can involve interacting with people from all walks of life. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working in such an environment. In your answer, share about a time when you worked with a diverse group of people and how it went. Explain that you are willing to work with anyone who comes through the polls on election day.

Example: “I have experience working with a diverse group of people. I was a server for several years, and my job was to interact with customers from all backgrounds. It definitely took some getting used to at first, but after a while, I got better at understanding different types of people. Now, I am more confident in my ability to communicate with others. I think I would be able to do well in this role.”

What are your communication skills like?

Poll workers need to be able to communicate with voters and other poll workers. Employers ask this question to make sure you have strong communication skills. Before your interview, think about a time when you had to use your communication skills. Explain how those skills helped you in that situation.

Example: “I feel like my communication skills are one of my strongest abilities. I am always willing to help others understand what I’m saying. When someone is confused or needs more information, I take the time to explain things clearly. This has been helpful during my previous jobs as well. For example, at my last job, I was working with a coworker who didn’t speak English very well. I would try to find ways to communicate with her so she could do her job.”

How would you handle a situation where a voter is being uncooperative?

As a poll worker, you may encounter voters who are upset or uncooperative. Employers ask this question to make sure that you have the interpersonal skills and conflict resolution skills to handle these situations calmly and effectively. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm under pressure and use your communication skills to resolve the situation.

Example: “I would first try to understand why they’re being uncooperative. I’ve found that most people just need someone to listen to them and help them feel heard. If they still refuse to cooperate after I’ve listened to their concerns, then I would call for backup from other poll workers. Together, we could explain the rules again and offer assistance in voting.”

What is your experience with data entry?

Poll workers are responsible for entering data from voter registration cards into the voting system. The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with data entry and how you feel about it. If you have no prior experience, consider talking about a time when you had to enter data or talk about what you would do if you were faced with having to enter data on election day.

Example: “I’ve never worked as a poll worker before, but I did work in an office where we had to enter data regularly. I found that I am quite good at data entry and can type quickly. However, I also understand that there is always room for improvement. I would take every opportunity to practice my data entry skills so that I could become even more efficient.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to remain calm under pressure.

Working as a poll worker can be stressful, especially on election days. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to remain calm under pressure and perform your job duties effectively. In your answer, try to describe an example of how you remained calm in a high-pressure situation.

Example: “When I was working at my previous job, we had a rush of customers come into our store right before closing time. We were short-staffed that day, so it was up to me to help close the store by myself. There were many customers who wanted to return items or exchange them, which made things even more hectic. However, I stayed calm and helped each customer until they left the store.”

If a voter is unsure about where to vote, how would you help them?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you interact with voters and your ability to provide customer service. It can also show whether you have experience working in a polling place before. When answering, it can be helpful to mention specific steps or actions you would take to help someone find their correct voting location.

Example: “If I saw that a voter was unsure about where they should vote, I would first ask them for their address. Then, I would use my computer system to look up their voting precinct based on their home address. If there were multiple options, I would explain each one to the voter so they could make an informed decision.”

What would you do if you noticed another poll worker making a mistake?

Employers ask this question to make sure you can work well with others. They want to know that you’re willing to help your fellow poll workers and that you have the confidence to speak up when you notice a mistake. In your answer, try to show that you are empathetic and respectful of other people’s time and effort.

Example: “I would first approach them privately and let them know about their error. I would do my best to be kind and understanding while also making it clear that there is an issue. If they still didn’t correct the problem, I would take over for them and fix the error myself. This ensures that the ballots get counted correctly and that the voter gets to vote again.”

How well do you know the local area?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are familiar with the area where you will be working. If you have lived in the area for a long time, they want to know that you can help other poll workers find their way around. You should answer honestly and explain how you would use your local knowledge to help others.

Example: “I grew up in this town, so I am very familiar with it. In fact, I still live here, which is why I decided to apply for this position. I think my familiarity with the area could be an asset to the team because I can help others navigate unfamiliar streets or neighborhoods.”

Do you have any experience working with election software?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with election software. If you have no prior experience, you can talk about how you would learn to use it and what resources you would use to do so. If you have some experience, you can discuss that in detail.

Example: “I’ve never worked with election software before, but I am familiar with several different types of software programs. In my last position as a data entry clerk, I used Microsoft Access for entering client information into our database. I also used Excel to create reports based on the data entered by other employees.”

When is the appropriate time to start eating or drinking while working?

This question is a test of your ability to follow rules and regulations. It also shows the interviewer that you can make good decisions when it comes to following policies. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of adhering to these types of guidelines.

Example: “I would never start eating or drinking while working as a poll worker. I know this is one of the most important rules we have to follow, so I take it very seriously. If I ever felt like I was going to need something to eat or drink during my shift, I would ask for permission from my supervisor first. They are usually more than happy to allow me to get something if they know I am asking for permission ahead of time.”

We want to improve voter satisfaction. What would you do to improve it in your area?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the voting process and how you can improve it. You should discuss what you would do to make voters feel more welcome, such as offering refreshments or providing a private space for them to fill out their ballots.

Example: “I think one way we could improve voter satisfaction is by having a private place where people can fill out their ballots. I’ve seen this done in my town at the library during elections, and it’s very helpful because it gives voters a quiet place to concentrate on filling out their ballots. Another thing we could do is offer refreshments like coffee and snacks so that voters have something to eat while they wait.”

Describe your strategy for managing your time on Election Day.

Time management is an important skill for poll workers to have. Employers ask this question to make sure you can manage your time effectively and efficiently on Election Day. When answering, explain that you will use a system or strategy to help you stay organized and focused throughout the day. Explain how you plan to keep track of all the tasks you need to complete.

Example: “I usually write down a list of everything I need to do each day. This helps me stay organized and ensures I don’t forget anything. On Election Day, I’ll arrive at the polling place 30 minutes before my shift starts. I’ll check in with my supervisor and get any supplies I may need. Then, I’ll go through my daily task list one by one until it’s time to start voting.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and why you are the best person for the job. When answering, make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match what they’re looking for in a poll worker.

Example: “I am passionate about democracy and civic engagement. I have been an active voter since I was 18 years old, and I always try to encourage my friends and family members to vote as well. In addition to being highly motivated to help others exercise their right to vote, I also have excellent customer service skills and strong attention to detail. These skills make me the ideal candidate for this position.”

Which elections have you worked in before?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working in an election. They want someone who has worked in a variety of elections, so they can be confident that you know what to do if something goes wrong on the job. When answering this question, list all the elections you’ve worked in and briefly describe your role in each one.

Example: “I’ve worked in three different elections before. The first was my local city council election where I was a poll worker. Then, I worked as a ballot counter for my state’s presidential election. Finally, I worked as a provisional voter checker at my county’s primary election.”

What do you think is the most important part of being a poll worker?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand what it means to be a poll worker. You can answer this question by describing your thoughts on the role of a poll worker and how important it is for elections to run smoothly.

Example: “The most important part of being a poll worker is ensuring that everyone who is eligible to vote gets to do so. I think it’s vital that we have fair elections, and I would take great care in making sure every voter has access to voting. I also believe that my job as a poll worker is to make sure voters feel comfortable and welcome at the polls.”

How often are you available to work?

Employers may ask this question to make sure you can work the hours they need. They also want to know if your schedule is flexible enough to cover any absences from other poll workers. When answering, be honest about your availability and how often you’re able to work. If you have a regular job, explain what your schedule looks like so that the employer knows when you’re available.

Example: “I’m currently a full-time student, but I am looking for part-time work. My school schedule allows me to work most weekdays, including evenings and weekends. I do have some flexibility in my schedule, so I could adjust my hours as needed.”

There is a discrepancy in the number of voters in your area compared to other areas. What would you do?

This question is designed to test your ability to work with other poll workers and resolve issues. Your answer should show that you can communicate effectively, solve problems and work as part of a team.

Example: “I would first check the number of voters in my area against those in neighboring areas. If there are more voters than expected, I would call the election board to report the discrepancy. If there are fewer voters than expected, I would contact the election board to see if they have any information on why this may be happening. In both cases, I would make sure all procedures were followed correctly.”