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Officer of Election
Actively Participate in the Electoral Process
Become an active participant in the electoral process. Serve as an officer of election for Chesterfield County and work the polls on election day to help ensure fair and accurate elections. View a short video produced by the Virginia Department of Elections.
Right to Serve Protected
Any person who serves as a member of a local electoral board, an assistant general registrar, or an officer of election shall neither be discharged from employment, nor have any adverse personnel action taken against [them], nor shall [they] be required to use sick leave or vacation time, as a result of [their] absence from employment due to such service, provided [they] gave reasonable notice to [their] employer of such service {Virginia Code Section 24.2-119.1}.
A confirmation letter for working election day can be provided upon request.
Questions
If you have questions, contact the Elections Manager by email, by calling 804-748-1149 or visit the General Registrar's Office (9848 Lori Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
Qualifications
To serve as an officer of election you must:
- Be a registered voter of the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Enjoy meeting people and serving the public
- Be able to take direction, pay attention to detail and not be easily distracted
- Be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time
- Be able to lift 40 pounds with assistance
- Be available to work on election day from 5 a.m. until all the results have been tabulated and reported
- Not hold elected office or be the employee of an elected official
View Officer of Elections Basics on the Virginia Department of Elections site for further information.
Responsibilities
Officers of election are required to:
- Set up voting equipment and prepare the polling place for voting
- Assist voters with casting their ballot
- Oversee election procedures to ensure a fair and impartial election by adhering to Virginia Election Laws (Title 24.2) and Federal Election Laws
- Close the polls at 7 p.m. and remain until all closing duties have been completed
How to Apply
Complete and submit the online Officer of Election Interest Form (below) or apply in-person at the General Registrar's Office (9848 Lori Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
Training
Officers of Election
Officers of election must complete an online training course prior to working in his/her first election (Title 24.2-115.2). The Elections Manager will assign credentials once the Electoral Board appoints you as an Officer of Election.
- This training requirement repeats every two - three years with the start of a new term of service (i.e. March 1, 2018 to Feb. 28, 2021)
- Whenever there is a change to election procedures or to regulations that alters the duties or conduct of the offers of election.
Chief and Deputy Chief Officers of Election
Chief and Deputy Chief Officers of Election must attend an election briefing prior to each election in which he/she serves.
View the Virginia Department of Elections Officer of Election training for additional information and guidance on serving as an Officer of Election in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Equipment Training Videos
Changing the DS200 Paper
View the changing the DS200 paper video. Please note that this video does not have sound.
DS200 Open and Close Procedures
View the DS200 open and close procedures video.
ExpressVote Procedures
View the ExpressVote procedures video.
Set Up and Close (Unloading and Loading the Cage) Procedures
View the set up and close procedures video.
Election Day Assignments and Expectations
Compensation
Officers of Election receive compensation for their time working election day in the following amounts:
- Chief Officer - $260
- Deputy Chief Officer - $225
- Officer of Election - $200
Payments are issued within approximately 4-6 weeks after each election.
Officers of Election that attend in-person training will be compensated $25 for the time of the training. Payment will be issued following the training.
Working an Election
Officers of Election needed for a specific election will be contacted by the Chief or Deputy Chief Officer approximately 30 days prior to each election to confirm your availability to work. If you are a new officer, you will be contacted by the Registrar's Office with a precinct assignment and the Chief or Deputy Chief of your assigned precinct will reach out to you to confirm your availability.
Location Assignments
Each Officer of Election is assigned to work at their voting "home" precinct whenever possible; however, if there are no vacancies at the home precinct, a nearby precinct may be assigned.
Voting When Working Election Day
All Officers of Election are eligible to vote during Absentee/Early Voting, whether assigned to their home precinct or not. If you are assigned to work at your home precinct, you may vote there on election day. If you are not assigned to your home precinct election day, you must vote absentee/early.
Election Day Expectations
Officers of Election must arrive at their assigned polling place no later than 5 a.m. and must remain until every person in line at 7 p.m. has cast their ballot, all election results have been reported, and all election supplies and equipment are stored properly for pick up the following day. The Chief Officer will assign you to a role, i.e. voting booth officer, ballot officer, scanner officer etc.
Dress Code
Officers of Election are asked to wear appropriate dress. No political paraphernalia, including items or accessories that display candidate information or party preference.