San Antonio is hiring thousands of poll workers for the November 3, 2026 election — and it pays real money. Bexar County pays $16 to $18 an hour depending on the role, a full Election Day can add up to $200 or more, and applying is free. Early voting runs October 19–30, so the time to apply is this week, not next.
The pay, role by role
| Role | Pay | Extra |
|---|---|---|
| Presiding Election Judge | $18/hr | + $25 for returning supplies on election night |
| Alternate Judge | $17/hr | Steps in if the presiding judge can’t serve |
| Election Clerk | $16/hr | Hired through the presiding judge (see below) |
| Student Clerk (ages 16–17) | Paid like a clerk | Needs parent + school permission; excused school absence |
Polls are open long hours on Election Day, so a judge or clerk working the full day at $16–$18/hr is looking at roughly $200+ for the day before any returns fee.
Who can be a poll worker in Bexar County
- A registered voter in Bexar County (Texas minimum requirement). One honest note: the registration deadline for the Nov 3 election was October 5 — if you aren’t registered yet, you can’t work this election, but registering now puts you first in line for the next one.
- A U.S. citizen who is a qualified voter in the county.
- You cannot serve if you hold elected office, are a candidate in this election, or are a candidate’s campaign treasurer.
- Bilingual workers are especially wanted — Bexar County aims to have at least one Spanish-speaking poll worker at every vote center. Mention it on your application.
- Judges must complete a certification class (about 8 hours) and pass the test with a 70% or better; certification renews every two years. Clerk training is encouraged and available free online through the state’s poll worker training program.
How to apply — step by step
- Apply on the Bexar County poll worker portal — start at the county’s official poll worker page: bexar.org/2182 (the application portal is linked there).
- Pick your role. Judge roles need the certification class before the election, so apply now if you want the $17–$18/hr seats. Clerk applications get matched to presiding judges who still need clerks — applying doesn’t guarantee a spot, so sooner is better.
- Do the training. Judge certification class first; clerks can take the free Texas online poll worker training anytime.
- Questions? Call Bexar County Elections at 210-335-VOTE (210-335-8683), 1103 S. Frio, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78207.
Key dates
- Now – this week: apply; judge certification classes run before early voting starts.
- Oct 19–30, 2026: early voting — poll workers are needed for these days too, not just Election Day.
- Tue Nov 3, 2026: Election Day.
Frequently asked questions
How much will I actually make?
At $16–$18/hr, a full Election Day (polls open plus setup/closing time) is roughly $200 or more. Presiding judges add a $25 fee for returning supplies that night.
I’m 16 or 17 — can I really do this?
Yes. Student clerks ages 16–17 can serve with a parent/guardian and school permission slip, get paid, and receive an excused absence from school.
I speak Spanish — does that help?
A lot. The county tries to place at least one Spanish-speaking worker at every vote center, and bilingual applicants are in demand.
I applied to be a clerk and haven’t heard back. What’s happening?
Clerks are hired by presiding judges, not the county office directly. The elections office connects available clerks to judges who still need them, so a match can come close to early voting. If it’s urgent, call 210-335-8683 and ask about open spots.
Do I get paid for training?
Judge certification class time is part of the role requirements; ask the elections office about current training-pay policy when you apply so there are no surprises.
Helpful links & phone numbers
- Bexar County Elections — poll workers: bexar.org/2182 — official pay, roles, and the application portal.
- Bexar County Elections office: 210-335-VOTE (210-335-8683) — questions about applying, training classes, and open clerk spots. 1103 S. Frio, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78207.
- VoteTexas.gov — becoming an election worker: votetexas.gov/get-involved — state rules and the free online poll worker training.
- Apply for Me (San Antonio Benefits): sanantoniobenefits.com/apply-for-me — free matching to food, rent, utility, and healthcare programs.
Need more than one paycheck idea?
Working the election is one good week of income — but if bills are due now, you may qualify for free help you haven’t claimed yet. Our free Apply for Me service matches San Antonio households to food, rent, utility, and healthcare programs and emails you a step-by-step guide: Apply for Me — sanantoniobenefits.com
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