A student who is 16 or 17 years of age and who is enrolled in a public, private, or tribal high school or a home-based private educational program may work at the polls as an election inspector on election day. 

Students may decide for themselves to serve as election inspectors or in response to a school sponsored initiative. Civics, government or political science teachers or administrators may see this as an opportunity for a real life learning experience. Student organizations may find this to be an attractive form of community service and an interesting learning opportunity.

Only students with at least a 3.0 GPA may serve as an election inspector with the approval of the school principal or home-school program administrator and a parent or guardian.

Will I be Paid?

Yes. Election Inspectors are paid $11.00/hour to attend a training class and for service on Election Day.

What do Election Inspectors do?

Election Inspectors are responsible for administering election procedures in each polling place.

You will be helping to:

• organize the polling place before the polls open
• register voters and issue ballots to registered voters
• provide instructions and assistance to voters
• explain use of the voting equipment
• assemble returns and close the polling place
• assist in the delivery of election returns

What is the Time Commitment?

Inspectors work from 6:00 a.m. until the completion of their duties (approx. 9:30 p.m., but varies depending on election). A lunch break of an hour may be possible during slower elections, but busy elections may require you to stay at the polling place and bring necessary meals.

Inspectors are appointed to a district for a two-year term and will work all elections. If you are not appointed, you will be considered an alternate and asked to work when a vacancy occurs. It is always our goal to place you in your own district; however, if you are willing to help where needed, it is easier to make assignments.

What Kind of Training Will I Receive?

Training sessions are provided before each election by the municipal clerk. This training provides all of the necessary information and knowledge to be a successful Election Inspector.

An experienced chief inspector, who has been certified by the Wisconsin Elections Commission, must be present at each polling place for each election. Chief inspectors must receive six hours of continuing education training during each two-year period.

What are the qualifications to be an Election Inspector?

You must:

• be a qualified elector of the municipality in which the polling place is established
• be able to speak, read and write fluently the English language
• work well in a team environment and enjoy people and service to others
• be willing to work a long day as a service to your community

Can I be Excused from my Regular Job to be and Election Inspector?

Wisconsin law requires every employer to grant an unpaid leave of absence to each employee who is appointed to serve as an election inspector, if the employee who serves as an election inspector provides his or her employer with at least seven (7) days notice. The leave is for the entire 24-hour period of each election day in which the employee serves in his or her official capacity as an election inspector. Upon request of any employer, municipal clerks must verify appointments.

How Can I Become an Election Inspector?

Complete the Authorization to Serve as an Election Inspector Form and return it to:

City Clerk
City of La Crosse
400 La Crosse St.
La Crosse, WI 54601

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