Regardless of where you stand on the outcome of the recent presidential election, one truth is clear: While national politics dominate the headlines, the most meaningful impact you can have is in your own communities. The decisions made at the local level directly impact our daily lives, making civic engagement not just important, but essential.

At the Committee of Seventy, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting good governance and election integrity in Pennsylvania, we’ve always championed the power of local action. That’s why we created a list of 70 steps people can take to strengthen democracy — because now is not the time to tune out. It’s the time to lock in.

One of the most impactful actions you can take right now? Run for an elected poll worker position. Every election — twice a year, every year — PA relies on more than 40,000 poll workers to keep our elections running smoothly. Every voting division across the Commonwealth needs at least five poll workers: the judge of election, a majority and minority inspector, a clerk, and a machine inspector. While clerks and machine inspectors are appointed, the other three positions are elected by voters in every division or precinct statewide.

Poll workers are the backbone of our elections, ensuring every eligible voter has the opportunity to make their voice heard. While you can certainly serve as a non-elected poll worker on an election-by-election basis (and we encourage it!), running for an elected position ensures greater stability and leadership at the polls for the next four years. It’s a way to strengthen elections, build community trust, and take an active role in shaping the democratic process. And it reduces the burden on our government officials who have to recruit, staff and train poll workers each year.

Whether you’ve considered running for office before or are simply looking for a way to contribute, serving as a judge or inspector of election is an incredible opportunity to lead. You’ll safeguard voting rights, ensure a smooth Election Day, and help sustain our election system for years to come. Plus, poll workers are paid for their service and have the chance to connect with neighbors in a meaningful way.

Instead of feeling frustrated by the things beyond our control, let’s focus on what we can do. Small, important actions — like running for an elected poll worker position — create ripple effects that strengthen civic life, empower communities, and uphold the principles of democracy.

In an era where national politics can feel overwhelming, it’s easy to believe that individual actions don’t make a difference. But real change starts locally, and there’s no better way to make an impact than by ensuring your community has a well-run, accessible election.

If you’re ready to step up, the Committee of Seventy is here to help. Running for an elected poll worker position requires gathering petition signatures between February 18 and March 11, so now is the time to start preparing.

We’re hosting information sessions from February 10 through 14 to walk you through the process. These sessions will cover the responsibilities of election board members, how to complete and submit nomination petitions, and how to use a street list to connect with your precinct. You can sign up for one of these sessions on our website. There, you’ll also find a useful guide on how to run for elected office and other resources for poll workers.

Before you get started, here are the basic qualifications. You must:

• • Be a qualified registered voter in the election district in which you are elected or appointed.
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have resigned from any city, county, state or federal appointed or salaried positions for at least two months before your election or appointment. This includes any municipal board, commission or trust in any city, and also includes the court system and public school employees. The only exceptions are district justices, notaries public and people serving in the state militia.
  • Not be a candidate for any office to be voted for at a primary or general election at which you are serving (except for as a member of an election board).

If you meet these requirements, don’t miss this opportunity to lead in your community and take an active role in strengthening our democracy. Instead of feeling frustrated by the things beyond our control, let’s focus on what we can do. Small, important actions — like running for an elected poll worker position — create ripple effects that strengthen civic life, empower communities, and uphold the principles of democracy.

Join us, get involved, and step up where it matters most.

Lauren Cristella is President and CEO of Committee of Seventy, a nonprofit that advances representative, ethical and effective government in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania through citizen engagement and public policy advocacy.

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