Serving as an Election Judge


Serving as an election judge is a chance to learn about elections, how the process works, and is a great service to the community. Election Judges help guarantee that the rights of voters are protected and are responsible for administering election procedures in polling location on election day. 

 

 

Eligibility Requirements

 

Any person who resides in and is eligible to vote in the county where they service is eligible to be an election judge. An election judge cannot be a candidate in the election, be closely related to a candidate or closely related to another election judge in the same precinct (Closely related means a spouse, parent, child, or sibling). Judges are asked to state a political party preference.

 

  • You must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days and be a citizen of the United States. You should be prepared to provide identification to prove your identity.
  • You must be affiliated with a major political party to complete some tasks and not stating a party may restrict your eligibility.
  • You cannot be the husband, wife, parent, child, brother, or sister of a candidate or be domiciled (live with) a candidate, either permanently or temporarily.
  • You cannot be related to another election judge in the same precinct.
  • You cannot be a candidate for the election in which you are serving as a judge.
  • You cannot be a judge unless you can read, write, and speak the English language understandably.

 

 

Payment for Election Judge Services & Time off of Work


Election judges are paid for training and work in the polls on election day. The rate is $12.00 an hour for regular judges. Similar to jury duty, Minnesota law allows you time off from work with full work pay if you give 20 days' prior notice to your employer. Election judges may not receive their payment for up to 4-5 weeks following the election. 

 

 

Duties of Election Judges

  • Opening and closing the polls (judges work from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm or later; however half-day shifts may be available)
  • Being responsible for all election materials
  • Ensuring only qualified voters are permitted to vote only once
  • Distributing ballots
  • Helping voters requiring assistance
  • Maintaining order in the voting place throughout the day
  • Registering new voters at the polling site
  • Obtaining the results after the polls are closed
  • Certifying the precinct election results

 

Positions

  • The Head/Lead Judge is in charge of the polling place.
  • The Greeter Judge directs traffic flow and maintains order.
  • The Roster/Registration Judge signs in voters who registered in advance and registers voters who did not register in advance.
  • The Demonstration Judge explains how to mark a ballot.
  • The Ballot Judge gives ballots to voters.
  • The Ballot Counter Judge oversees the ballot box area and gives out “I Voted” stickers.

 

Becoming an Election Judge

 

If you are interested in becoming an election judge, please fill out the Election Judge Application located below. Return completed application to Teri Hobart at the City Hall offices. You must complete an election judge training course before you serve. You will attend a class at least two hours in length, and your certification is valid for two years.

 

Teri Hobart; Finance Director

Phone: (507) 725-2538

 

 

 

 

 

Election Judge Application Form