Working in Elections
Cowlitz County Elections employs members of both the local Democratic and Republican parties to assist in the ballot process. If you are interested in working with Cowlitz County Elections, your options are listed below.
Opening Board
Opening Board consists of teams of two (one member from each party) working together. Each team processes all ballot envelopes that have been accepted by Elections staff. Teams will count, open, inspect, and document all actions on the appropriate form. The number of teams called to work each day is based on the number of ballots received the day prior. Members from each party are contacted by their party liaison when opening board must be conducted. Annual training is mandatory to be considered for work.
Teams will not electioneer or engage in political conversation with public or staff during working hours. Noncompliance is grounds for termination from this position.
To Sign Up
Contact Employers Overload and follow their instructions. Provide your party affiliation and let them know the job you are interested in. Employers Overload will contact us once the process is complete.
Address:
Employers Overload
1953 7th Ave, Unit 203
Longview, WA 98632
Phone:
(360) 577-4250
| When | Where | How Often | Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every election cycle | 207 N 4th Ave Kelso, WA 98626 | As needed | Conducted annually or semi-annually |
Ballot Box Buddies
Ballot Box Buddies assist with staff on Election Night in closing all ballot drop boxes at 8 p.m. sharp. Ballot Box Buddy teams consist of 3: one member from each party and one staff member. Buddies attend a special training on Election Night and are assigned a box to assist in closing. Buddies use a special checklist and verify that their designated staff member facilitates the lawful closing of the ballot drop box. After the ballot drop box is closed, the ballots are transferred to a ballot transport box, and buddies return to the Elections Office with their staff member to return the ballot transport box and turn in their paperwork.
Teams will not electioneer or engage in political conversation with public or staff during working hours. Noncompliance is grounds for termination from this position.
To Sign Up
Contact Employers Overload and follow their instructions. Provide your party affiliation and let them know the job you are interested in. Employers Overload will contact us once the process is complete.
Address:
Employers Overload
1953 7th Ave, Unit 203
Longview, WA 98632
Phone:
(360) 577-4250
| When | Where | How Often | Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every election cycle | 207 N 4th Ave, Rm 205 Kelso, WA 98626 | Election Night | Conducted Election Night every election |