Fort Bend County residents who want to help run the Nov. 3 midterm election can still apply to work the polls before early voting begins Monday, Oct. 19.

Early voting runs through Friday, Oct. 30. The Fort Bend County Elections Department is directing prospective poll workers to email [email protected] to ask whether positions and training slots remain available, KPRC 2 reported.

An open application page does not guarantee placement. KPRC 2 advised applicants to confirm whether the county can still place and train new workers for this election cycle.

Who qualifies

The Texas Secretary of State lists U.S. citizenship and qualified-voter status in the jurisdiction conducting the election among the basic eligibility requirements. Applicants should confirm the specific requirements for the position they want with the Fort Bend Elections Department.

The department has not published a specific pay rate for the Nov. 3 election. Applicants should ask about the current rate, training-pay conditions and expected payment schedule when they reach out.

High school students can serve as election clerks

High school students in Missouri City and Stafford who are at least 16 on Election Day can apply through a statewide student election-clerk program. According to the Texas Secretary of State's office, students must be U.S. citizens enrolled in a public, private or qualified home school. They need written approval from both a parent or guardian and their school principal.

Student clerks work under the direction of the polling place's presiding judge. No more than two student clerks may serve at a single polling place, though up to four can work at a countywide location.

The state classifies the work as an excused absence under the Texas Education Code. Student election clerks are entitled to compensation in the same manner as other election clerks, according to the Secretary of State's office. Students submit their applications directly to election officials, not through their schools.

Before you sign up

KPRC 2 recommended asking the elections office whether the county is still placing workers, what training is required and what the pay rate and shift hours are.

The Fort Bend County Elections Department can be reached at [email protected] or (281) 341-8670.