Election Inspectors

On election Day we employ over two thousand people will work at schools, churches, and other facilities processing voters so that we can conduct a fair election, as perfect as possible. It is a long day but it is very rewarding to know you have helped your community choose its leaders.

Election Inspectors are paid $241 to work in the Primaries and General Elections. The required working hours are from approximately 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM. At this time we are unable to accomodate half days shifts. We do not have any volunteer positions.

You must be able to speak, read and write English, (bilingual inspectors, especially Spanish speakers, are very welcome), be a registered voter in Onondaga County and you must be available to work the day of the election.

It is recommended that you be registered in either the Democratic or Republican party, however, we are training all voters who wish to be election inspectors, as we have limited spots available for those who are registered in other parties.

As an Election Inspector you will be required to complete a 3.5 hour class on the processes and procedures related to being an inspector, followed by a mandatory written test. Persons who successfully complete the test will be paid an hourly rate and will be eligilble to work an election. Class is an annual requirement. Classes are held in Spring and late Summer to prep for elections.

Download a Poll Worker Survey, to be mailed into our office once completed. This is a requirement to be accepted into class.

Sign up for Election Inspector Class. **Remaining classes for new inspectors are full, please contact us via email for more information regarding upcoming classes in October.

Please Email the INSPECTOR DEPARTMENT if you have any further questions.

F.A.Q.’s -

Who can be an Election Inspector?

Any registered voter residing in Onondaga County. If you are a publicly elected official or candidate or a parent, spouse or child thereof, you may not work in the district in which you/they are running in. You can be assigned to work after completing the required training and passing the certification classes.

What is the process after I pass a Certification class?

After you attend and pass a certification class, we will reach out to you via letter with an assignment. Letters are generally mailed 3 weeks prior to the start of early voting for that Election. If you had given availability to work early voting the assignment letter may come separately before your election day letter. If you do not pass a certification class, we will call you. You may attempt another class the following year, you will still be paid for attending the training.

Where will I be assigned to work?

We do our best to get you scheduled at your preferred polling place or as close to your residential address as possible, but we do need to adequately staff each site. This may necessitate some travel within Onondaga County, and you are required to have reliable transportation.

What hours will I work?

Polling places are open from 6am until 9pm, you are expected to arrive one hour before opening of polls and remain at the site until work is finished and materials are packed. Working hours 5am- 10pm. We do not offer half day shifts.

What will I be doing?

The duties of an election inspectors include rotating between the following: assisting your team in set up of the polling place, greeting voters, checking in voters and operating the electronic poll books, issuing ballots to voters and assisting with keeping the polling place operating efficiently. Performing all duties and tasks responsibly and professionally.

Will I be Paid?

Yes, a Regular Inspector is paid $241 for Election Day, $142 for Early Voting and $14.20 per hour for training classes. These rates follow the current NYS minimum wage. We do not have any volunteer positions. Other positions available with additional training.

How will I be paid?

Election inspectors are paid by check mailed from Onondaga County: Classes will be paid at the end of classes, usually 4-5 weeks. Any work performed during Early voting and Election Day will both be paid within 30 days of Election Day on the same check. Currently, we do not offer direct deposit.

For more information contact:

Election Inspector Department at (315) 435-3331 (E-Mail the Inspector Department)

David Harding at (315) 435-5761 (E-Mail David Harding)

Amanda Emmons at (315) 435-5772 ( E-Mail Amanda Emmons)