Election Workers are the customer service face of our democracy. It is an opportunity to welcome your neighbors and ensure their voting experience is a positive one regardless of their party. If you want to see firsthand the safeguards and safety measures that protect the integrity of our elections, there is no better way than serving as an election worker.”
The Shawnee County Election Office utilizes over 1,000 Election Workers who help make Election Day successful. We are continually in need of more individuals within the pool (KSA. 25-2804) from which Election Workers are appointed. First time Election Workers are required to complete an application (see below). Returning Election Workers will receive an Interest/Availability Letter from our office each year.
Qualifications for serving as an Election Worker include:
- Must reside in Shawnee County, Kansas.
- Must be registered to vote at current address OR
- Student workers must be at least 16 years of age and an American citizen.
- Must complete Election Worker Training before each election.
- Oath or affirmation of office is required.
- Additional qualifications and limitations may apply for certain elections.
If you meet these requirements and would like serve as an Election Worker, please download one of the forms below:
Complete the application and return it to the Election Office. You may return it by:
- Email the form to [email protected]
- Hand deliver or mail it to the Shawnee County Election Office, 3420 SW Van Buren St., Topeka KS 66611.
We will notify you once your application is approved. Appointment/Poll Place Assignment Letters are sent approximately 3 to 4 weeks prior to each election.
Election Worker Communications
Communicating with 1,000 Election Workers takes a lot of time, effort and money. We use every method of communication imaginable; traditional mail, email, texting, and phone calls. We send out a lot of communications. It is crucial that you respond to emails, phone calls, and voice mail messages rom our office as well as from your Supervising Judge. Please check your email junk folders and add emails from our office to your contacts to ensure you receive them in the future. Emails come from the domain @snco.us and from the address [email protected]. When you send us an email, please use [email protected].
Election Worker Voting
Most Election Workers will be working a poll place that is different than where they are assigned to vote. Therefore, you will need to vote early at the Election Office (open for voting 2 full weeks before Election Day) or request an advance ballot by mail.
Working at a Poll Place on Election Day
Poll Places are open for voting from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm on Election Day. This requires that we start setting up at 6:00 am and may be there as late as 8:00 pm at the end of the day. Election Workers therefore need to be able to handle that long, 14-hour day. Most of our workers work that long shift, but we also offer half-day shifts; 6:00 am – 1:00 pm OR 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Please indicate on your application your preferred shifts.
All Poll Places are required to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This benefits both voters and Election Workers. If you have a need for specific accommodations, please notify the Election Office by emailing [email protected] or calling us at 785-251-5900.
All Election Workers are expected to report at their assigned times with a neat and tidy appearance. Business casual is a good guideline to follow. (Clothing with political or partisan messages are absolutely prohibited). Comfortable shoes are a must as you may spend quite a bit of time on your feet.
Maintaining the integrity and transparency of our Elections and our Poll Place teams is extremely important. Therefore, we cannot allow workers to come and go as they please on Election Day. If you leave early, you cannot return to work.
Most of our poll place teams plan some sort of potluck on Election Day. If you would like to help organize a potluck, please reach out to your Supervising Judge once you receive your assignment letter. Additionally, bring any food, drinks, or snacks you might need for that day. Many locations provide amenities such as kitchens or snack machines. (Please note that a few polling places do have specific requirements regarding food and drink and it is important that we honor those requirements. Check with your Supervising Judge if you have concerns).