Election Workers

Join us and help administer elections in the City of Lowell! The Elections Commission is seeking qualified applicants for more than 200 paid Election Officer and Translator positions for:

  • Special State Primary: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
  • Special State Election: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
  • State Primary: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
  • Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
  • In-Person Early Voting Sessions: August 22-28; and October 17-30

Election Officers


Election Officers are established in state law and the responsibilities include: set up of the polling location, checking in voters, handing out ballots and providing assistance to voters as well as the closing of the polls and tabulation of the ballots. Bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged to apply! Lowell is unique in that election-related materials and oral language assistance must be available in English, Spanish and Khmer.

Election Officer Positions

The Warden is the Chief Election Officer at the polling place with responsibility for supervising and monitoring the work of the other election officers. The Warden maintains order, prevents interference with the voting process, ensures that all required materials are available, assists voters, and oversees the accurate completion of all election forms.

The Clerk keeps a record of all facts relating to the election proceedings and notes any unusual happenings during the conduct of the election. The Clerk assumes the responsibilities of the Warden in the Warden’s absence.

Inspectors perform election duties under the direction of the Warden/Clerk, including but not limited to, checking voters’ names at the check-in table, handing ballots to voters, and assisting at the ballot box. 

Eligibility


Election Officers must be registered voters in Massachusetts who are able to work in the City of Lowell. 16 and 17 year olds who are U.S. Citizens, proficient in English and have permission from school and their parent or guardian may also be appointed Election Officers. 

Translators


To better serve low English proficiency voters and meet the legal requirement of providing voter instruction and assistance in Khmer and Spanish paid positions are available for Translators.

Eligibility


Translators must be eligible to work in the City of Lowell and be able to read, write and speak English, have a demonstrated proficiency in a language other than English (including ASL), and attend a required training. Translators are not required to be registered voters in Massachusetts. 

Expectations and Compensation


Election workers must attend a required training and are expected to report to their assigned polling location at 6:00 AM on Election Day, have a scheduled lunch break and although the polls close at 8:00 PM, election workers stay late into the evening to complete tabulation and close out the polling location. Compensation is determined by the City Council and Election Officers and Translators are paid $20 to attend the required training and $280 for each election. Compensation is also provided for Election Officers and Translators who are assigned to in-person Early Voting sessions.

Apply now!


If you are interested in applying to be an election worker in our next election, pick up or download the 2026 Election Worker Application and Employment Eligibility Verification USCIS Form I-9. Election workers who worked the 2024 election cycle may fill out the 2026 Returning Election Worker Survey

Return the completed application and I-9 form

  • By Mail: 
    • City of Lowell Election and Census Office
      375 Merrimack Street, Room 5
      Lowell, MA 01852
  • In Person:
    • City of Lowell Election and Census Office
      375 Merrimack Street, Room 5
      Lowell, MA 01852
    • If City Hall is closed, application materials may be dropped off in the mail slot at the door by JFK Plaza
  • By Email:
    • elections@lowellma.gov

If you have any questions or wish to receive an application by mail, please contact Election & Census: (978) 674-4046