Trenton, N.J. — New Jersey officials are urging residents to sign up as poll workers for the June 2 Primary Election, offering paid opportunities for adults and students to help staff voting locations across the state.
The New Jersey Division of Elections announced a statewide recruitment push Tuesday in partnership with county election offices, encouraging residents ages 16 and older to apply through Pollworker.NJ.Gov. Workers selected for Election Day service can earn $300, while Early Voting shifts pay $21.43 per hour.
State officials said thousands of poll workers are needed to operate voting sites during both the primary and upcoming general election cycle.
State Targets Students and First-Time Civic Volunteers
Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell, who serves as New Jersey’s Secretary of State and chief election official, said the program gives residents a direct role in supporting elections and voter access.
“Becoming a poll worker is one of the best ways to get engaged with our democracy,” Caldwell said in a statement announcing the initiative.
He added that New Jersey residents “16 and older have a meaningful opportunity to engage civically and help neighbors vote in free and fair elections as poll workers this year and beyond.”
Election officials are especially encouraging high school and college students to apply, part of a broader effort to recruit younger workers as longtime poll staff members retire.
Key Points
• New Jersey poll workers can earn $300 for the June 2 Primary Election
• Early Voting workers are eligible for $21.43 per hour
• Residents as young as 16 years old may apply through Pollworker.NJ.Gov
Counties Across New Jersey Need More Poll Workers
Donna Barber, director of the New Jersey Division of Elections, said counties statewide are actively seeking additional workers before the primary election.
“Elections across New Jersey rely on thousands of dedicated residents who staff polling locations,” Barber said. “It’s a great way to earn money while supporting your community.”
Poll workers typically assist voters at check-in stations, help manage voting equipment, answer procedural questions, and ensure polling locations operate smoothly throughout Election Day.
Officials said the recruitment effort comes as counties continue preparing for both in-person voting and expanded early voting operations.
Who Qualifies to Serve
According to the Division of Elections, applicants must meet several requirements to serve as poll workers in New Jersey.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens and New Jersey residents
- Be registered to vote in the county where they live, unless under 18
- Be at least 16 years old
- Not be running as a candidate in the election
Residents under age 18 do not need to be registered voters to participate.
State officials said serving as a poll worker can also provide students with civic engagement experience and community service opportunities.
Recruitment Continues Ahead of Primary Election
Applications remain open through the state’s poll worker portal as counties continue staffing polling sites for the June 2 primary.
Officials are encouraging residents interested in election work to apply as soon as possible due to training and scheduling requirements before voting begins.
As of Tuesday, the Division of Elections had not released updated statewide staffing totals for the primary election.
