wtov9.com · September 7, 2026
West Virginia teens can now work at polling places under new law, earning up to $300
# West Virginia teens can now work at polling places under new law, earning up to $300
by Emma Brannare
Mon, September 7, 2026 at 9:21 PM
Updated Mon, September 7, 2026 at 9:32 PM
New legislation allows students to be involved in election.
For the first time in West Virginia, 16- and 17-year-olds are eligible to work at polling locations across the state under new legislation, giving students a chance to earn money while learning how elections operate.
As Election Day workers, students can earn up to $300 for their work. Secretary of State Kris Warner said the job requires a full day of work, starting before polls open and continuing until after they close.
“Now it's a long day before the polls open and they work until after the polls close. But they're out of school, it's a great opportunity to earn some money and that's due to recent legislation that the West Virginia Legislature passed. That they'll now be able to work in the polls. So trying to get younger people involved earlier, and this is an opportunity to do that,” Warner said.
West Virginia’s general election date is set for Nov. 3.