You will be helping to:
- organize the polling place before the polls open
- register voters and issue ballots to registered voters
- provide instructions and assistance to voters
- explain use of the voting equipment
- assemble returns and close the polling place
- assist in the delivery of election returns
What is the Time Commitment?
Inspectors work from 6:30 A.M. until the completion of their duties (approx. 9:30 P.M.). A lunch break of an hour may be possible during slower elections, but busy elections may require you to stay at the polling place and bring necessary meals. Half-day or shorter shifts may be negotiated, but whole days are preferred.
Inspectors are appointed to a district for a two-year term and will work all elections. If you are not appointed, you will be considered an alternate and asked to work when a vacancy occurs. It is always our goal to place you in your own district; however, if you are willing to help where needed, it is easier to make assignments.
What Kind of Training Will I Receive?
Training sessions are provided before each election by the municipal clerk. This training provides all of the necessary information and knowledge to be a successful Election Inspector.
An experienced chief inspector, who has been certified by the State Elections Board, must be present at each polling place for each election. Chief inspectors must receive six hours of continuing education training during each two-year period.
What are the qualifications to be an Election Inspector?
You must:
- be a qualified elector of the municipality in which the polling place is established
- be an adult citizen of the United States who has resided in the election district for 10 days and is not otherwise disqualified from voting
- be able to speak, read and write fluently the English language
- have strong clerical skills, be able to solve problems and be an effective communicator
- work well in a team environment and enjoy people and service to others
- be willing to work a long day as a service to your community
- NOT be a candidate for any office to be voted on at the polling place at that election
Can I be Excused from my Regular Job to be and Election Inspector?
Wisconsin law requires every employer to grant an unpaid leave of absence to each employee who is appointed to serve as an election inspector, if the employee who serves as an election inspector provides his or her employer with at least seven (7) days notice. The leave is for the entire 24-hour period of each election day in which the employee serves in his or her official capacity as an election inspector. Upon request of any employer, municipal clerks must verify appointments.
How Can I Become an Election Inspector?
Fill out the Election Inspector Form and return it to:
City Clerk
City of La Crosse
400 La Crosse St.
La Crosse, WI 54601