As Indiana heads toward the November 3, 2026 general election, Marion County officials are urging community members to sign up as poll workers. The county’s nine early‑voting sites and its 183 vote centers will need staff to set up check‑in tables, power voting machines and ensure each location is accessible to every voter.

Compensation and Roles

Poll workers can earn more than $200 for a day of service. The county offers three distinct positions:

• Clerks greet voters, verify identification and check voters in. Clerks may earn up to $150 per day, with an additional $30 bonus for completing the required training.
• Student poll workers perform the same duties as clerks and receive the same pay. To qualify, students must be at least 16 years old, maintain a 3.0 GPA and obtain permission from a parent and a school official.
• Inspectors oversee the entire vote center. Inspectors are required to complete two hours of training and are paid $240 for a full Election Day shift, which runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Training and Eligibility

Clerks are encouraged, though not required, to attend poll‑worker training provided by the Marion County Election Board. Inspectors must complete two hours of training before the election. No prior poll‑working experience is necessary, but many inspectors first serve as clerks for one or two elections before advancing.

All applicants must be eligible to vote in Indiana, be able to read English, and be willing to work early‑morning or full‑day shifts. The deadline to sign up is Election Day itself, November 3, though early‑voting positions begin in October.

How to Sign Up

Interested residents can register by clicking the green “Get started” button on the official indy.gov poll‑worker page. The online form asks for basic contact information, availability and, for student applicants, proof of age, GPA and parental consent.

Community Impact

Serving as a poll worker is a tangible way for Indianapolis residents to support the democratic process while earning supplemental income. The Election Board notes that historically fewer Republicans have signed up for these roles, making outreach to all political perspectives especially important for a balanced and efficient voting experience.

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Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.