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Serving locally: United States.
A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United Kingdom · Canada · Australia.
Moraph for Good · Voice
Serving locally: United States
Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/serving-locally
Local services depend on residents who give some of their time, from one day at an election to a seat on an advisory board. This sheet helps you find a role that fits.
Ways to serve
- Advisory boards and commissions on subjects such as parks, libraries or accessibility.
- Election work, run by the official election office.
- School governing boards, community councils and volunteer roles with public services.
Ask before you apply
- Who is eligible, and are there background checks?
- How much time does it take, and what training is provided?
- Is it paid, or are expenses covered?
- Are there rules about political activity?
Where to look
- Your local government’s website, under boards, committees or vacancies.
- Your official election office for election work.
- The official sources on the back of this sheet.
Stay impartial
- Election workers serve every voter equally.
- Questions about voting go to your official election office.
In the United States
- Poll workers. Duties and pay vary by location. Poll workers commonly set up the polling location, welcome voters, verify voter registrations, issue ballots, and explain how to use voting equipment.
- Find out what is needed. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has a lookup tool with each area’s poll worker requirements, hours, pay and training, and links to sign up with your state or local election office. Rules differ by state, for example on age, residency, voter registration and party affiliation.
- Your election office. USAGov lists state and local election offices, which help with registering, voting and election results.
- Volunteering. AmeriCorps works with State Service Commissions, appointed by governors in each state, which promote volunteering in their states.
Official places to check:
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission: www.eac.gov/help-america-vote
- USAGov: www.usa.gov/state-election-office
- AmeriCorps: www.americorps.gov/serve/volunteer
General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 19 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/serving-locally