Be a Precinct Official
The elections process is made up of many different people in varying positions. Each election in Rutherford County involves between 125 and 200 people working at the polling places, at Early Voting and in the Board of Elections office. Do you want to help? Here's what you need to know:
Qualifications
NC General Statutes 163A-815
"Persons appointed ... must be registered voters and residents of the county in which the precinct is located, of good repute and able to read & write."
"No person shall be eligible to serve as a precinct official ... who holds any elective office under the government of the United States or of North Carolina or any political subdivision thereof."
"No person shall serve ... who is a candidate for nomination or election."
"No person shall be eligible ... who holds any office in a state, congressional district, county, or precinct political party or political organization, or who is a manager or treasurer for any candidate or political party, provided ... a precinct official can be a delegate to a political party convention."
How Appointed
Precinct election officials can be recommended by the political parties and are appointed by the Board of Elections for a two-year term beginning in August of odd-numbered years and every two years thereafter.
Each voting place is staffed with a CHIEF JUDGE, two JUDGES and allotted ASSISTANTS. The Chief Judge is appointed by the Board of Elections based on both political party and staff recommendations. The two Judges represent each political party respectively and Assistants should represent both parties and appropriate racial minorities, whenever possible. Only one member of a family may serve as a precinct election official within a given precinct.
Chief Judge
The CHIEF JUDGE is the head official and is in charge of contacting the polling place, custodian and the other officials to make arrangements for each election. The Chief Judge is also responsible for handling Election Day activities, as well as picking up and returning Election Day supplies before and after each election.
Judges
The JUDGES work closely with the Chief Judge and are responsible for conducting the election in the Chief Judge's absence. They must sign all official documents and serve on a panel to resolve any challenges. The Chief Judge assigns all other duties.
Assistants
The ASSISTANTS serve when needed and at the discretion and direction of the Chief Judge. The Chief Judge assigns all duties.
Special Information
There are approximately five elections scheduled in each two-year term. (Special Referenda and bond elections also may be called.) The Chief Judge and two Judges are required to work each election. Assistants are allotted when needed.
- Elections are always held on Tuesdays
- All polls are open from 6:30AM until 7:30PM
- Day before the election (if possible) set up the precinct and check machines
- Officials must be in the voting place at 6:00AM and remain until all votes have been counted and documents signed - usually by 8:30PM. General Statute 163A-823 requires that all officials remain at the voting place for the entire day. No precinct election officials may leave the voting place except in extreme emergencies.
Special Training
GS 163A-822 requires all officials to attend training sessions conducted by the Board of Elections prior to each major primary and general election. The Chief Judge and Judges are issued an Instructions for Conducting Elections notebook at the required training session. They receive training concerning specific issues affecting the upcoming election. Precinct election officials are paid to attend these training sessions in addition to their Election Day compensation.
Compensation for Officials per Election
| Chief Judge | $185.00 |
| Judge | $135.00 |
| Election Coordinator | $125.00 |
| Assistant | $110.00 |
| Training Pay | $ 20.00 |
Term of Office: Two years for Chief Judge and Judge and all other positions for one election
If you are interested contact us at 287-6023