Election Worker Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Election Worker?
An Election Worker is a registered Maryland voter who volunteers to assist voters during the election process. For a more detailed description please see Program Overview.
What are the hours of an Election Worker?
The time commitment varies by position and responsibilities.
For a full description of Election Worker position hours, please see Position Descriptions/Payment.
What are the responsibilities of an Election Worker?
The responsibilities of an Election Worker vary by position, but all Election Workers are responsible for upholding the integrity of elections in accordance with Federal and State laws. For a full description of position responsibilities, please see Position Descriptions/Payment.
May I volunteer for multiple Election Worker positions?
Yes. You may serve in multiple Election Worker positions across various phases of the election. The service position preferences can be provided during your application submission, application renewal or by contacting the Recruitment office.
What training is required?
Election Workers are required to complete training prior to their service. The type of training Election Workers receive varies based on the service position. The election training is administered through online modules and In-Person training sessions.
For a full description of election training, please see Program Overview.
Are Election Workers paid?
Yes. Election Workers are eligible to receive a service stipend, if they provided their full social security number, successfully completed all required training and fulfilled all election duties to which they are assigned. For a description of the service stipends, please see Position Descriptions/Payment.
If you served as an Election Judge (poll worker) in a polling place in 2024 elections during either Early Voting or on Election Day, you will receive a $100 bonus for each full-day served on Election Day or during Early Voting Day, or a $50 bonus for each part-day served in the 2026 elections. Service as a Canvasser, Drop Box Runner, or as a Nursing Home Program participant are not eligible to receive the bonus for the days served in these positions.
Service stipends are paid by check and mailed to Election Workers six (6) weeks after the election to the address of record.
What is the Previously Served or Retuning Election Judge Bonus?
The Election Law provides that Election Judges who served at the polling place or and early voting center in the immediately preceding statewide election receive a $50 (for part-day) or $100(for a full-day) bonus for each day served in the current statewide election during early voting or on election day. Meaning if you served as an Election Judge (poll worker) in a polling place in the 2024 election cycle and you return and serve as an Election Judge for the 2026 election cycle, you will be eligible to receive the bonus. If you served in the 2022 election cycle or earlier but did not serve in the 2024 election cycle and return for the 2026 elections, you are not eligible for the bonus.
Service as a Canvasser, Drop Box Runner, or as a Nursing Home Program participant are not eligible to receive the bonus for the days served in these positions.
I have been an Election Worker before; do I need to fill out a new Application?
If you have been an Election Worker before you do not need to complete a new application. However, for each election cycle (approximately every two years) you are required to renew your application. You must use EJ Connection to renew your application. If you have a question regarding your application status, please contact the Recruitment Team at 240-777-8533.
What is EJ Connection?
EJ Connection is an Election Worker portal that provides Election Workers the ability to apply to be an Election Worker, update personal information to their Election Worker record, prepare for and take the Online Training Quiz, access several election resources, review the In-Person Training Schedule and/or schedule In-Person Training. All Election Workers are required to have an account, and each volunteer must have a unique email address to access their record. For additional information, access the EJ Connection web page.
