Election Board Officials

The City of Rio Rancho is recruiting individuals for the March 3, 2026, Municipal Officer Election.  The City is seeking individuals to work Early Voting and Election Day.   Election Board Officials play an integral role in an election and ensure voting is conducted in accordance with the Election Code while giving back to our community.  This is also a great opportunity for Students to learn about elections, build their resume and make money.

Who can be an Election Board Official?

Pursuant to the Election Code, 1-2-7, NMSA 1978 an Election Board candidate shall:
  • Be a registered voter in Sandoval County and reside within Rio Rancho City limits
  • Not be a candidate or related to a candidate
  • Be able to read and write (bilingual a plus!)
  • Carry out an election board member's functions with acceptable skill and dispatch
  • Not be working in law enforcement
  • Execute the election board member's oath of office
  • Be at least 16 years of age at the time of the election (Student Election Workers require permission from a parent/guardian and school) 

What to Expect as an Election Board Official?

Election Board Officials are required to attend a training and HR onboarding prior to serving on an Election Board.  

Early Voting

During early voting, Election Board Official's work for 14 days before election day.  Early Voting Boards are eligible for overtime. 

Early voting at the Clerk's Annex (Broadmoor Senior Center) is from February 3, 2026, through February 28, 2026.  Monday- Friday hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday (14, 21 & 28) from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.  

Early voting at the other locations starts February 14, 2026, through February 28, 2026.  Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. - 6p.m.

Election Day*

All Election Board Officials work from 6 a.m.- Closing.  The polls close at 7 p.m., voters in line at the time of closing will cast their ballot. Once all voters in line have cast their ballot, the polls will close.  Election Day Board Officials are not allowed to leave their post on election day.

*Election Day can exceed 14 hours of work.

Election Board Official Positions, Pay & Responsibilities

  • Presiding Judge- $400 for Election Day & $16.00/hour early voting
    • Supervises Election Board members, delegates work and ensures compliance with duties and the Election Code
    • Oversees and is in charge of the election board and maintains order at the polling location
    • Opens and closes the voting site each day, monitors equipment, supplies and materials
    • Contacts election Board members prior to election day to verify appointment and assignment
    • Handles special voting situations, like spoiled, provision, or absentee ballots
    • Communicates directly with the City Clerk and delivers items to the City Clerk after poll closes
    • Maintains and enforces impartiality among voters and Election Board members
    • Ensures ballot accounting during reconciliation (nightly during early voting)
    • Greets voters, assists with traffic management and monitors site activity
  • Election Judge- $375 for Election Day & $14.50/hour early voting
    • Greets voters & directs them to a registration clerk station
    • Monitors traffic flow and assists voters
    • Operates and monitors tabulators
    • Assists voters with accessibility tools on the tabulators
    • Monitors signage and voting booth area throughout the day
    • Issues sample ballots upon requires
    • May assist with ballot reconciliation
  • System Clerk & Student Election Clerk- $375 for Election Day & $14.50/hour early voting
    • Greets voters and answers questions
    • Helps voters check in quickly and accurately
    • Issues voter permits and ballots
    • Ensures voters get the correct ballot
    • Conduct Same Day Voter Registration
    • May assist with ballot reconciliation

All Election Board Officials are required to attend a paid training.  Officials will be paid for training following the election.

TRAINING NOTICE

How to Apply?

If you are ready to assist with the March 3, 2026, Municipal Officer Election please apply using the appropriate link.  We are seeking individuals interested in working early voting and election day or just election day.  Early Voting applicants will be considered for Election Day also, no need to complete both applications.

Individuals interested in working both early voting and election day, complete this application Early Voting Application.  Those wishing to ONLY work Election Day should complete the Election Day Application.

Completing an application is not a guarantee of employment.  Applicants may work early voting, election day or both.  Please ensure you are able to work the full period of early voting every day.