ELECTION INSPECTOR /POLL WORKERS

Are you interested in working for the Village of Trempealeau Elections? The Village of Trempealeau is looking to appoint Election Inspectors (also called “Poll Workers”)  for the next Election Cycle 2026-2027. You can join this team of caring individuals who help ensure this basic right of citizenship; to vote in a fair, free election.

If this would interest you, please submit application of interest by November 30th, 2025. Appointments will be considered at the December 4th, 2025 Regular Village Board Meeting.

Application can be found here.  Job description for Election Inspector may be found here.

Contact the Village office at (608)534-6434 or the Village Clerk Kathy Peterson directly at clerk@trempealeauwi.gov or call (608)534-3102.

What are the responsibilities of an Election Inspector?

Election Inspectors are responsible for administering election procedures at a polling site on Election Day.  Duties can include issuing ballots to registered voters, registering voters, monitoring the voting equipment, explaining how to mark the ballot or use the voting equipment, or counting votes.

Other positions at a polling place include a greeter who assists with answering questions and directing voters to the registration or voting area.

Will I be Compensated?

Yes. Election Inspectors are compensated to attend training classes when available and for service on Election Day. You will also be provided a food and refreshments during your shift worked.

What is the Time Commitment?

Inspectors work either from 6:45 a.m. until 2:00 pm or 1:45 pm until the completion of their duties (approx. 9:30 p.m., but varies depending on election).
Inspectors are appointed for a two-year term and will not necessarily be called upon to work all elections.

 

What are the qualifications to be an Election Inspector?

To be a poll worker, a person must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be 18 years old (except high school student poll workers)
  • Be able to read and write fluently in the English language
  • NOT be a candidate for any office to be voted on at the polling place at that election (can be an Election Inspector when not a candidate on the ballot).
  • Be a qualified elector of the County where the polling place is located. Please note Chief Inspectors must be a qualified elector of the municipality where the polling place is located (except for Polling Place Helpers).

A poll worker may also:

  • Have strong clerical skills
  • Be able to solve problems
  • Be an effective communicator.

Poll workers are appointed to two-year terms so you will be asked to make a minimum two-year commitment.

High School Student Poll Workers

Wisconsin law allows qualified students to serve as election inspectors, also known as poll workers. It’s great way for students to become involved in their communities and learn about how government works.

Qualifications

Students qualify to serve as election inspectors if they:

  1. Are 16 or 17 years of age
  2. Are enrolled in grades 9 to 12 in a public, private or tribal school or a home-based private educational program.
  3. Have at least a 3.0 grade point average or the equivalent.
  4. Have the written approval of their parent or guardian.
  5. Have the written approval of the principal of the school in which they are enrolled, if the student has less than a 3.0 grade point average.
  6. Reside in the municipality.

Students may serve only at polling places that serve their residence.

 

Written Authorization

Before a student may be appointed as an inspector, the municipal clerk shall obtain written authorization from the student’s parent or guardian.  The clerk must also obtain written authorization from the principal or program administrator of the school where the student is enrolled if the student has less than a 3.0 grade point average. Upon appointment, the municipal clerk shall notify the principal or program administrator of the school where the student is enrolled as of the date of the election at which the student will serve.

Restrictions

  1. A student may only serve as an inspector at a polling place if at least one inspector, other than the chief inspector, is a qualified elector of the municipality
  2. A student may not serve as chief inspector at a polling place
  3. A student serving as an election inspector may not challenge any person offering to vote.