The duties of Precinct Election Officials (PEOs) have become more involved over the years and require persons to handle more complex duties according to state law.

What does a Precinct Election Official Do?

• Set up the polling place and voting equipment before the polls open
• Check that persons meet the qualifications to vote, update registrations, and perform new registrations.
• Check voters in using iPad tablets.
• Pack equipment and tally voters that were checked-in.
• Report the votes after the polls close and certify the totals.
• Complete paperwork and clean up polling area.

Requirements

• Registered to vote in Linn County - Map of Linn County (Google Maps)
• Cannot be a current candidate or closely related to any opposed candidate on the ballot.
• Accept and adhere to Election Official Oath.
• Customer service focus.
• Learn, understand, follow and be able to explain election laws.
• High attention to detail with reading, listening, and observation skills. 
• Basic proficiency with iPads or tablets.
• Maintain a focus on teamwork.
• The ability to work a full day (6 a.m. - 10 p.m.) without leaving the polling place (breaks are scheduled).
• Complete required online and in-person training.
• Correspond with the Elections Office in a timely manner..

How Am I Notified About Working the Election?

You will receive notification by email before each election. 

You may not be called for every election, since there are several workers per party in each precinct and we rotate workers between elections. You may be called upon to work in any election that may be held in the county. You will most likely be called to work in your own precinct, but you may be asked to work at a another precinct if needed elsewhere.

As an Election Official, you may decline to work an election for which you are unavailable. If you decline to work multiple times without a specific reason, you may be removed from our list.

Training

Online and In-Person training will be provided and is required prior to all elections. Online training must be completed before attending in-person training. Training is paid, along with mileage.

Compensation

• Precinct election officials are paid $225 for election day. 
• All officials are also paid a flat rate online training and hourly for attending in-person training prior to the election. 
• Mileage is paid to and from in-person training and to and from the polling place. Mileage reimbursement is based on the current federal business rate (irs.gov). 
• Payment for working an election is made 2-5 weeks after the election. 
• If you are chosen to work, you will need to provide a social security number to receive payment. You will also be asked to sign up for ACH direct deposit.

When Are Elections Held?

• Elections are always held on Tuesday. 
• The Primary Election is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June of even-numbered years. 
• The General Election is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years. 
• In 2019, School and City Elections were combined and held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of odd-numbered years.
• Special Elections may be called at anytime during the year and are held on Tuesday.
• Polls are open 7 AM to 8 PM statewide.