The Board of Elections is responsible for staffing up to 59 polling places with a Chief Judge, Judges, and Election Assistants to serve the residents of Durham County on Election Day!

These are paid positions appointed by the Board of Elections. Persons appointed must be registered voters of Durham County, of good repute and able to read and write. No person may serve who holds an elective office, is a candidate for office, is a manager or treasurer for any candidate, or holds any office in a political party.

Appointment process for Chief Judges and election judges: Precinct election officials, one Chief Judge and two judges per precinct, are appointed by the Durham County Board of Elections. Appointments for two-year terms are made in August of odd-numbered years.

The Board of Elections will also assign precinct officials to staff early voting sites, open during the two-and-a-half weeks prior to Election Day. Early voting sites and schedules vary by election.

In North Carolina, students that will be 17 years old at the time of an election are eligible to work as student election assistants (§ 163-42.1). 

Student election assistants must be US citizens and residents of Durham County, be a student of good standing, recommended by the principal or director of their institution, and have the consent of a parent or guardian.

(Note: Durham County residents who are 18+ years old should not submit a Student Election Assistant Application. Instead, they should ensure they are registered to vote in Durham County, then apply to be a precinct official via the Precinct Official Application linked at the top of this page.)

To start the process of becoming a student election assistant, complete the Student Election Assistant Application Form here, obtain the required signatures, and submit to the Board of Elections.

Click here to access our Student Election Assistant Flyer, which can be shared with your community.

Submitted Student Election Assistant Application Forms will be reviewed by the Recruitment Team, and additional information will be sent upon approval.