POLL WORKERS
The County Election Commissioners appoint Election Officials for every Election. Election Day workers are appointed from the precinct they vote in. The usual number of workers for a voting precinct is six (6). The positions are Officer, Precinct Registrar, Machine Operator/Judge and Special Judge. If the precinct is large, the number is greater than usual; extra persons for the positions can be appointed except there is only one (1) Officer in charge of a voting precinct.
The polls are open on Election Day from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The workers must be in the precinct one hour before the polls open to set the precinct up. After the polls close at 7:00 p.m., the workers must remain at the voting precinct until all machines are read and recorded. Any paper ballots must be counted and recorded, and the Officer of Election and a precinct worker must return all materials, supplies, and voting machines to the Election Commission Office at the Courthouse in Cookeville.
Election workers are required to attend a training school before they can work on Election Day for every Election. The Election Commission pays the Election worker for attending the school of instruction and for approximately a twelve (12) hour Election Day.
Putnam County Election Commission has a trained group of Election workers who have been faithful helping with the Elections, but we are also always in need of new recruits. There are always people who have conflicts with their schedules that miss an Election or two sometimes.
A poll worker will need to be a resident and a registered voter in Putnam County. You will need to be available and able to work from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. This entire time is spent at the precinct with lunch breaks scheduled by precinct officer in charge. We ask you to bring a bag lunch with you unless your precinct is one that shares a "covered dish" and takes turns at lunch breaks.
A seventeen-year-old student, even though they are not a registered voter, may serve as a poll worker in Tennessee. If you would like to do this, you may complete an application form. You must also have two teachers recommend you to our office to serve as a poll worker. It would only be possible for a student to serve as a poll worker if your school allows you.
Student
Election Worker's Teacher Recommendation
If you would like to become an Election worker in Putnam County, please contact Nancy Boman at the Election Commission Office or complete and mail our "on line" form.
Mail: 300 East
Spring St, Room 10, Cookeville, TN 38501
E-mail: nboman@putnamco.org
Phone:
931-526-2566
