Millions of Americans are heading to the polls, entrusting their ballots with local poll workers. But what exactly these poll workers do – and the r

Key facts about U.S. poll workers

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2024-10-30 19:30:07

Millions of Americans are heading to the polls, entrusting their ballots with local poll workers. But what exactly these poll workers do – and the requirements they must meet to assume this role – varies widely by state and county.

Overall, U.S. registered voters tend to trust poll workers. Nine-in-ten registered voters say in a new Pew Research Center survey that they are at least somewhat confident that poll workers in their community will do a good job during this year’s elections. In fact, voters are more likely to express confidence in poll workers than in state officials who run elections (90% vs. 81%).

Large majorities of voters who back Vice President Kamala Harris and those who back former President Donald Trump express at least some confidence in poll workers. But Harris supporters are much more likely than Trump supporters to say they are very confident (62% vs. 36%). Harris supporters are also more likely than Trump supporters to be very confident in state election officials (43% vs. 20%).

Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to provide key facts about U.S. poll workers ahead of the 2024 presidential election.