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Luz E. Torres and Nacole L. Ellis of the Chautauqua County Board of Elections have scheduled summer training for new and returning poll workers.
"As we get ready for this year's Nov. 3, 2026, general election, we encourage all returning poll workers to attend the mandatory trainings this year. We also would like to encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a poll worker to attend our training sessions," Ellis said.
Poll workers prepare the polling site for voting, help set up the voting equipment, sign-in and process voters, demonstrate voting procedures and help close the polling place. Anyone registered in the two major parties (Democratic or Republican) can sign-up to be a poll worker. Poll workers are paid $35.00 dollars for their training and $16 an hour while working at poll sites. Poll workers need to attend a training session each year to continue to be eligible to work.
"This is not a volunteer position, but a paid position that would allow you to make around $250 for working a full day shift," Torres said.
Training sessions will begin in the Dunkirk/Fredonia Area at BOCES LoGuidice Center, 9520 Fredonia-Stockton Rd. Fredonia, on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 1 and 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 1 and 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, at 1 and 5:30 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 14, at 9 a.m.
Training sessions will then move to the Jamestown area in Jamestown Community College's Carnahan Theatre, 241 James Ave. Jamestown, at 1 and 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, 1 and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, 1 and 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, and 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22.
Training sessions will finish in the Mayville area at the Carlson Community Center, 50 W. Lake Road, Mayville, at 1 and 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, 1 and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, and 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27.
Each new trainee is asked to bring their driver's license, Social Security card and a voided check so the Board of Elections can issue a direct deposit payment. Current workers who have changed their address or banking information will need to bring the same documentation to training to ensure payment.
No reservations are needed for any session. For more information, call the Chautauqua County Board of Elections Office at 716-753-4580 and/or visit votechautauqua.com.