University of Wisconsion - Eau Claire

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Proposal

Poll Worker (Election Inspector)

Community partner: Eau Claire City Clerk/Elections Office
Supervisor: Eric Gilge
Beginning date:
2026-03-01
Ending Date:
2026-04-07

Project Proposal Description

1.

Briefly describe the project and the community need to be addressed.

Answer City of Eau Claire Election Inspectors administer our local, state, and federal elections within the city. An Election Inspector is also known as a Poll Worker. A poll worker's assigned duties at a polling site on Election Day can include greeting people as they arrive and explaining the voting process, registering voters, issuing ballots to registered voters, monitoring the voting equipment, and explaining how to mark the ballot or use the voting equipment.

2.

What is the mission of the agency or organization?

Answer Involvement from residents of our community is essential to conduct open, accurate & fair elections. Our goal for all elections in the City of Eau Claire is for every eligible voter to cast a ballot and have that ballot counted.

3.

What skills are required for this project?

Answer We need people with good interpersonal skills to include strong written and verbal communication. Good organizational skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic are a must.

4.

What are the learning objectives for this project

Answer To understand the procedures and requirements to vote on election day in Wisconsin. Students will also gain a deeper understanding of how the local community comes together to be part of a foundational element of our democratic republic.

5.

What are the availability requirements for the student?

Answer To be a poll worker in the City of Eau Claire, a person must: • Be a qualified elector of Eau Claire or Chippewa County (adult citizen of the United States who has resided in the election district for at least 28 consecutive days and is not otherwise disqualified to vote). Students typically meet the residency requirement, but they would NOT if they are registered to vote in another county or state. • Be able to read and write fluently in the English language • NOT be a candidate for any office to be voted on at the polling place at that election. The student will need to apply to be a poll worker through the city human resources, complete the hiring process, and complete a 2-hour training session in early to mid-March given at the L.E. Phillips Public Library or City Election Office. The requirement for the Spring Election on April 7th would be to work a minimum of an 8-hour shift (6am-2pm or 2pm-10pm) at one of the city's 20 polling sites. A full day shift (6am-10pm) would be preferred. A student's requested polling site and transportation limitations will be taken into account prior to assignment to a polling site.

6.

Additional information (not required).

Answer Please email eric.gilge@eauclairewi.gov prior to applying to this project. I can then provide additional information on how to begin the process to become a poll worker and answer any questions. We look forward to meeting you!
Community-Engaged Learning • University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire • Eau Claire WI 54702-4004
Vicki Lord Larson 2146 • A Unit of: Academic Affairs
Phone: 715-836-4649 • Fax: 715-836-4023
Questions/Comments: cel@uwec.edu
Copyright © 2026 UW-Eau Claire and the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System