Election Officers

Become an Elections Officer

Thank you for your interest in serving as an Elections Officer. If appointed, your current term ends on February 28, 2025. Your assignment will depend on the needs of the County, available funds and staffing requirements.

Article II, Section 7 of the Constitution of Virginia requires that you take an Elections Officer Oath or Affirmation. This oath should be administered by either the:

You may complete the oath in the Office of Elections free of charge. You will receive a PDF link of the Oath or Affirmation after submitting the Acknowledgement & Availability form below.

The Constitution of Virginia prohibits any person who holds any elective office or is the deputy or employee of such elected official under the governments of the United States, the Commonwealth, or any Virginia county, city or town from serving as an Elections Officer.

Guidelines & Standards

You are eligible to serve as an Elections Officer if you are a registered voter in the Commonwealth of Virginia and you are not employed by, or not the deputy of, any local, state or federal elected official. Elections Officers who meet these criteria will serve as follows:

  1. Elections Officers work for the Electoral Board and follow the guidelines and standards that lead to exceptional customer service for our citizens on Election Day.
  2. You will be given a great deal of responsibility and trust in the election process. You will work with other officers to produce accurate election results, provide for equal access to voting and the necessary assistance to individual voters who need your help. You will also demonstrate equipment, make sure voters are in their proper precinct, help citizens complete necessary changes of address and remind voters to check their ballots for accuracy, among other responsibilities. You must also be willing to:
    1. Complete training sessions prior to each election to ensure you are properly prepared to provide the best possible service to the voters of James City County
    2. Arrive at the polling location at 5 a.m. and remain there until the election results have been reported (between 8-9 p.m.)
    3. Report to and follow directions of the Precinct Chief Elections Officer who assigns jobs. Please be willing to work where assigned
    4. Be courteous, non-political and people-friendly to all voters and fellow officers
    5. Wear appropriate business casual dress (no sweat clothes, t-shirts, flip-flops or shorts)
  3. Polling places are located in schools, community centers and churches. These locations do not permit smoking in or on the premises. Please consider this when accepting your appointment.
  4. James City County conducts a General Election every November (training is conducted in October). A Primary Election, if called, is held each year in June (training is conducted in May). Special elections are held when conditions warrant.
  5. You will be compensated for training and Election Day only if you work.

Elections Officer Prospect Letter and Oath and Affirmation Form (PDF)

Acknowledgement & Availability