Election Officials

Serving as an Election Official

The Borough Clerk's Office relies on many citizens who play an important role to operate polling places. Election officials put a face on the election process and work hard to ensure their neighbors can vote with ease, while helping to safeguard the process so all residents have confidence in the election results. Election officials are responsible for carrying out the election process under the direction and supervision of the Borough Clerk. Training and compensation is provided for all election officials. 

Application 

If you are interested in serving as an election official, please complete, sign, and return the application to the Borough Clerk's Office. Applications must be submitted annually, and applicants selected to serve will be contacted to confirm their precinct assignment and training schedule. 

Election Official Application

Qualifications 

Election Officials must meet the following qualifications to work in a Borough election:

• Must be a registered voter of the State of Alaska residing in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. 
• Must refrain from political activity while on duty. 
• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time. 
• Must be able to lift 10 pounds. 
• Must read, write, and speak the English language. 
• Must attend at least one mandatory election training session.

Polling Place Officials

A polling place official works on Election Day at an assigned polling place. Duties include opening and closing the polls, setting up election equipment and supplies, and assisting and processing voters. There are seven polling precincts in the Borough. 

Early/Absentee Voting Officials 

An early/absentee voting official works at an assigned early voting site. Duties include opening and closing the early voting location, setting up and securing election equipment and supplies, and assisting and processing voters. 

Canvass Board Officials

After the election, the Canvass Board meets to review the provisional ballots cast in the election to determine if the ballots are eligible for counting. The Board then counts the qualified ballots. 

Election Night Receiving Team 

These officials receive the election ballots, supplies, and equipment from the precinct chairs. Processes election materials and provides election night results to the media and public at the direction of the Borough Clerk.