Become a poll worker: Your commitment to the 2026 local elections!

Become a poll worker: Your commitment to the 2026 local elections!

The local elections in Germany are scheduled for March 8, 2026, followed by possible runoff elections on March 22, 2026. In this context, an urgent call is made to recruit volunteer election workers. These helpers are essential for the smooth conduct of the elections Mintraching reports.

The thanks of the local governments already go to the election workers who supported the early federal election in February 2025. The young people and adults who choose to serve as election assistants make a valuable contribution to democracy and help ensure that the electoral process runs efficiently and properly.

Tasks and organization of election workers

The poll workers are deployed alternately in shifts. This means that the entire election time from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. does not have to be covered. In many cities, such as Offenbach, shifts are organized so that the first shift runs from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the second shift from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. After the end of the shift, the votes will be counted, which can begin at 6 p.m. and, depending on the size of the elections, will take several hours, according to the call Volunteer search in Hesse.

The central tasks of election workers include checking eligibility to vote, issuing ballot papers and supporting voters with disabilities: These tasks ensure that the election takes place without complications. The proper counting of votes is also one of the responsible activities that must be carried out by election workers, as described in the information from Federal Returning Officer is presented.

The poll workers receive compensation for their work. The amount of compensation varies depending on the function: election officers and their deputies receive 60 euros, secretaries 55 euros and assessors 50 euros. For additional elections, such as the city council and foreigners' council elections, the compensation increases by 10 euros.

Instruction and contact

A comprehensive briefing of election workers takes place before election day. Organized meals are provided for each shift. Committed citizens who have already worked as poll workers in the past are asked to get in touch again. Mr. Steininger in the electoral office is available to answer any questions on 09406/9412-13 or by email to buergerbuero@mintraching.de.

The call to volunteer as an election worker is an important step in the preparation for the 2026 local elections. Committed citizens can not only actively shape democracy, but also gain valuable experience that goes far beyond the electoral process.