{"id":351447,"date":"2020-03-17T09:36:44","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T14:36:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/voting\/how-u-s-elections-work\/how-to-become-an-election-official.html"},"modified":"2024-02-14T23:27:50","modified_gmt":"2024-02-15T04:27:50","slug":"how-to-become-an-election-official","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/how-u-s-elections-work\/how-to-become-an-election-official.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Become an Election Official"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Become an Election Official<\/h1>\n
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\n By Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Democratic elections are at the core of American democracy. Accordingly, states must ensure all general elections are free and fair at every stage of the election process.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Although many states have passed laws recently<\/a> allowing greater access to absentee ballots<\/a> or vote-by-mail options, many voters still prefer in-person voting. Election officials ensure the election process at polling places is free, fair, and orderly.<\/p>\r\n

Becoming an election official allows you to participate in and protect the electoral process. This article provides information about how you can become an election official. Specifically, it answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) about becoming and working as an election official.<\/p>\r\n

Who Can Be an Election Official?<\/h2>\r\n

States have their own selection criteria<\/a> for who is eligible to become an election official. Some of the most common requirements include the following:<\/p>\r\n