Buncombe County -- July 31, 2026: Buncombe County Election Services is mounting a major recruitment drive to hire over 600 paid election workers to manage polling locations throughout the county for the upcoming 2026 General Election. Local election officials are encouraging community members from all backgrounds and political affiliations to step forward and serve on the front lines of democracy.
Paid Positions, Crucial Community Service
While many civic activities rely on volunteer hours, precinct staff and support staff are compensated temporary workers.
Election Day Workers: Serve from 6:00 a.m. until polls close and votes are processed, along with a brief mandatory setup session the evening prior. Compensation generally ranges from $200 for Assistants to $300 for Chief Judges.
Early Voting Staff: Work flexible shifts across Buncombe County’s proposed early voting sites during the multi-week period from October 15 through October 31, 2026.
Seasonal Administrative & Technical Staff: Hourly positions (paying around $18/hour) assist with GIS mapping, database maintenance, voter registration, absentee processing, and equipment logistics.
Student Assistants & MAT Teams: Specialized roles exist for eligible high school students as well as Multi-Partisan Assistance Teams (MAT) helping residents in long-term care facilities.
Upcoming Public Information Sessions
To give prospective applicants a clear look at job responsibilities, shift requirements, and compensation schedules, county officials are holding public information sessions:
Poll Worker Information Session: Thursday, July 30, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Poll Observer Information Sessions: Tuesday, August 18 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) and Tuesday, September 1 (5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)
Meet the Elections Director Session: Thursday, August 27, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
All sessions take place in the Basement Board Room at 35 Woodfin Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Parking validation is available for visitors parking in the building lot or the adjacent College Street Parking Deck.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a Buncombe County poll worker, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be a registered voter residing in Buncombe County (or an eligible high school student age 16 or older).
Be able to attend required training sessions prior to voting periods.
Maintain strict non-partisanship while performing official election duties.
Have reliable transportation to assigned polling places or county facilities.
How to Apply & Get More Information
Residents interested in serving can apply directly online or reach out to county recruiting staff:
Online Application Portal: Visit the official Buncombe County Employment & Poll Worker Opportunities page.
Elections Portal: Access general election dates, voter lookups, and meeting calendars at Buncombe County Election Services.
Direct Email:electionsrecruiting@buncombenc.gov
Phone Contact: (828) 250-4200
Statewide Option: North Carolina voters can also register interest via the NCSBE Democracy Heroes Portal.