Poll Workers are essential individuals that provide the labor to allow for a smooth election process so that all voters have the opportunity to cast their ballot. Civic minded individuals that serve their community often go under-recognized; therefore, it is the privilege of the Hancock County Clerk’s Office – Election Division to inform the citizenry of the duties performed by these public spirited people and to invite eligible registered citizens to join in and sign-up to work at the Polls on Election Day!

In Hancock County, the poll workers consist of the Inspector, the Judge of the Opposite Party of the Inspector, the Judge of the same party of the Inspector, and 2 Poll Clerks, one from each main political party.  Below is a quick overview of the roles of each position:

Inspector: the Inspector is from the same political party as the Clerk of the Circuit Court and is responsible for the overall running of the Poll. Duties such as opening and closing the polls, swearing in poll workers, handling the administrative paperwork and ordering the meals for the day are just a few of the hats that the Inspector might wear.

The Judge of the Opposite Party: the Judge of the opposite party accompanies the Inspector at the closing of the polls to transport ballots to the Hancock County Annex so that the votes can be tabulated.

The Judge of the Same Political Party: the Judge of the same political party will accompany the Judge of the opposite party, if asked by the voter, to assist a person to vote. Both judges may check identification.

Poll Clerks and Assistant Poll Clerks: poll clerks and assistant clerks, ensure that the voter has proper identification that conforms to the name listed on the poll book, and issue the ballot so that the constituent can cast their vote.

Other Persons allowed in the Polls: from time-to-time, poll watchers and the media request to access the polls. State law allows for the media, political parties and candidates to assign a poll watcher to go to the polls. In all instances, all watchers are required to have proper approved credentials.

Poll workers attend a workshop to review election procedure, new or changed regulation and safety precautions. This link will direct your attention to the training available by the State of Indiana’s Election Division.

• Indiana Election Dvision: Poll Worker Training Materials

To become a Poll Worker, please contact the Hancock County Clerk’s Office – Election Division at 317-477-1109 extension 2 or 317-477-1171.