Information on Becoming a Poll Worker

Poll-Worker-Needed
The City of New Berlin encourages all citizens to vote and become involved in the election process. There is no better way to feel comfortable with the election process than to work as a Poll Worker (Election Inspector). Citizen involvement is essential to conduct open, accurate and fair elections in Wisconsin.

The Clerk's Office hopes you will consider applying for a Poll Worker with the possibility of gaining more responsibilities and becoming a Back-Up Chief Inspector or Chief Inspector in the future!  

Poll Worker Application

Download our Poll Worker Application here!
Thank you for your interest in becoming an election worker for the City of New Berlin. Once your application is received, you will hear back from the City Clerk's Office. If you don't hear back within two weeks, please feel free to contact the City Clerk's Office at 262-786-8610.

Responsibilities of an Election Inspector Poll Worker

Election Inspectors conduct assigned duties at one of our 7 polling sites on Election Day. 

Normal Duties Include:
  • Greeter
  • Election day voter registration
  • Checking voters in the poll book which includes reviewing the voter's photo ID and assigning each voter in the poll book a sequential election day voter number
  • Issuing ballots
  • Assisting voters and providing instruction as necessary
  • Processing absentee ballots
  • Monitoring the voting equipment
  • Signing and assisting with election paperwork 

Hours of Work

Polling places are open from 7AM to 8PM on Election Day. We prefer election inspectors to work a full day, generally from 6:15AM until approximately 9PM or later in the case of November elections. Breaks and lunch/dinner are allowed and determined by the Chief Election Inspector. For busy elections lunch and dinner may be provided to you. If you need to work a half shift (AM OR PM) please let the Chief Inspector know prior to scheduling.

Training Requirements

  • The City Clerk provides training opportunities throughout the year. Trainings vary in type, from basic election inspector training to more detailed absentee ballot processing training, etc. 
  • Pre-election briefing meetings are typically held prior to each election. These may be held in-person at City Hall, via Zoom or a video may be posted on YouTube. 
  • A Chief Election Inspector who has been certified by the State of Wisconsin Elections Commission must be present at each polling place for every election. Chief Election Inspectors and Deputy Chief Election Inspectors must receive a minimum of six hours of continuing election education training during each two-year term. There is additional pay for those serving in these positions. 

Location of Work

Every effort is made to assign an election inspector to his or her neighborhood polling place. However, there are times when the City Clerk requests election inspectors to be willing and flexible in order to cover vacancies at other locations. 

Qualifications

  • Be a qualified elector of Waukesha County;
  • Be able to speak, read and write fluently in the English language;
  • Have a positive attitude and be friendly;
  • Be able to work as a team;
  • Be an effective communicator;
  • NOT be a candidate for any office to be voted on;
  • Be able to put personal political views aside ;
  • Be a positive representation of the City of New Berlin;
  • Computer skills are most helpful

Election Day Leave

Wisconsin law requires every employer to grant an unpaid leave of absence to each employee who is appointed to serve as an election official, if the employee who serves as an election official provides his or her employer with at least 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 official. Upon request of any employer, municipal clerks must verify appointments.

Election inspectors may not serve at an election where their spouse or immediate family member is a candidate on the ballot, or under other circumstances where a candidate’s success or failure to win election would affect the election inspector financially. You would need to contact the Clerk’s Office if this impacts you at a particular election.

High School Election Inspectors

High School students are encouraged to work as election inspectors. A student who is 16 or 17 years of age and who is enrolled in grades 9-12 in a public or private high school and has at least a 3.0 GPA may serve as an election inspector with the approval of the student’s parent or guardian. The municipal clerk must receive written authorization from the student’s parent or guardian for the student to serve for the election for which he or she is appointed.

The school board (or governing body of a private school) may establish criteria for service by a student that does not have a 3.0 GPA. If a pupil does not have at least a 3.0 GPA or equivalent, the municipal clerk shall obtain written certification from the principal of the student’s school that the student meets any criteria established by the school board (or governing body of a private school) for service as an inspector.

Length of Commitment

 Election Inspectors are appointed to two-year terms. However, committing to an election or being available to fill in at the last moment is also appreciated.
City Clerk Contact Information
City Clerk: Rubina R. Medina
Deputy City Clerks: Sherri Hanson & Megan Godshall
City Clerk Administrative Specialists: Sarah Holtz 
City Clerk Contact Information
City Clerk: Rubina R. Medina
Deputy City Clerks: Sherri Hanson & Megan Godshall
City Clerk Administrative Specialists: Sarah Holtz 

Contact City Clerk or Deputy Clerks for Additional Information:

  1. Rubina R. Medina

    City Clerk
    Email Rubina
    Phone: 262-754-1838

  1. Sherri Hanson

    Deputy City Clerk
    Email Sherri
    Phone: (262) 754-1837

  1. Megan Godshall

    Deputy City Clerk
    Email Megan
    Phone: (262) 754-1844