Become an Election Worker
Become an Election Worker in Bexar County
Election workers are the backbone of every election — they’re the people who check you in, help you navigate the ballot, and make sure every vote is counted. Whether you have a passion for civic engagement or just want to give back to your community, working at a polling place is one of the most direct ways to support democracy.
Bexar County needs hundreds of election workers for each election cycle. Positions are paid, training is provided, and you don’t need prior experience. Bilingual workers (especially Spanish speakers) are in high demand.
Why Become an Election Worker?
Get Paid to Serve
Election workers earn $16–$18/hr depending on the position, with additional pay for judges who return supplies.
Strengthen Your Community
You’ll be the face of democracy for voters in your neighborhood — helping neighbors exercise their most fundamental right.
Learn How Elections Work
See the election process from the inside — how votes are cast, how security works, and how results are collected.
Positions & Pay
There are three election worker positions in Bexar County. Training is provided for all positions, and classes are held before each election.
Presiding Election Judge
Administers the election at the polling place in accordance with the Texas Election Code
$18/hr
+ $25 for returning supplies to Regional Sending Site
- Registered voter in the assigned precinct
- Pass certification class with 70% score (~8 hrs)
- Re-certify every two years
- Pick up supplies before election, return night-of
- Visit vote center the day before the election
Alternate Election Judge
Guards the purity of the election; steps in when the Presiding Judge is unavailable
$17/hr
Same certification as Presiding Judge
- Registered voter in the assigned precinct
- Pass certification class with 70% score (~8 hrs)
- Re-certify every two years
- Pick up/return supplies when applicable
- Visit vote center the day before when applicable
Election Clerk
Receives training and assignments from the Election Judge at the polling place
$16/hr
Hired directly by the Presiding Judge
- Registered voter in Bexar County
- Called to duty by the Presiding Judge
- Certification class encouraged but not required
- Applying does not guarantee placement
Who cannot serve as an Election Judge: anyone who holds elected office (Precinct Chair is not considered elected office), is a candidate in that election, is a campaign treasurer or manager of a candidate in that election, or is an employee or relative of an opposed candidate in that election.
Basic Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen (or a legal permanent resident who meets all voter eligibility requirements besides citizenship)
- Be a registered voter in Texas (Judges must be registered in the specific precinct; Clerks in Bexar County)
- Be available to work on Election Day
- Be available to attend one training class prior to the election
- Be able to lift up to 40 pounds (for transporting election supplies)
Bilingual? Bexar County works to have at least one Spanish-speaking poll worker at every vote center. If you speak Spanish (or another language), please note that on your application — your skills are especially needed.
How to Get Started
Apply
Submit your application through Bexar County or using the form below
Get Selected
Judges are appointed; Clerks are hired by the Presiding Judge
Train
Attend a certification class (or take the free online training through the TX Secretary of State)
Work the Election
Show up, help voters, and be part of the process
High School Students Can Serve Too
Texas law allows high school students who are at least 16 years old to serve as Student Election Clerks during early voting and on Election Day. It’s a paid position and a great way for young people to get involved in civic life before they’re even old enough to vote.
Student requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen and at least 16 years old
- Be enrolled in a public, private, or home school
- Have written consent from a parent or legal guardian
- Have consent from your school principal (or parent/guardian for homeschoolers)
- Complete any required election worker training
Schools may excuse students for up to 2 days per school year to serve as election clerks. No more than 2 student clerks may serve at a regular polling place (4 at countywide locations).
Student Clerk Info on VoteTexas →Training
Training classes for election officials are held before each election. Bexar County will send training details via U.S. mail after you’re selected. In the meantime, the Texas Secretary of State offers a free online poll worker training you can take anytime — it’s available 24/7 and you’ll receive a certificate when you finish.
Free Online Training (TX SOS) →Election Worker Resources
Learn more about what it takes, find applications, and explore training opportunities:
Election Worker Portal
Official Bexar County application portal for election judges and clerks. Apply directly online.
WorkElectionsBexar County on WorkElections
Nonpartisan resource with Bexar County-specific poll worker requirements, pay info, and direct application links.
Power the PollsPower the Polls
National poll worker recruitment initiative. Sign up and get matched to your local election office — over 700K people have signed up since 2020.
State of TexasBecome an Election Worker
The Texas Secretary of State’s official guide to election worker eligibility, pay, and how to apply in your county.
State of TexasStudent Election Clerks
Everything students and parents need to know: age requirements, consent forms, school excusal policies, and FAQs.
State of TexasTraining & Education Resources
Free online poll worker training from the TX Secretary of State. Available 24/7 — take it at your own pace and print a certificate.
FederalHelp America Vote (EAC)
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s national portal for poll worker recruitment and information.
FederalPoll Worker Best Practices
Federal guidance on poll worker recruitment, training, retention, and evaluation — useful for anyone coordinating election staffing.
Students4DemocracyStudents for Democracy — Bexar
Apply to work elections in Bexar County as a student through this national youth civic engagement organization.