Serve as an Election Judge

Serving as an Election Judge is a great way to learn election procedures and ensure that elections are administered in a fair manner. Election Judges are an essential part of our democracy and are needed more than ever.

Frequently Asked Questions About Working as an Election Judge

What Are Election Judges?
Election judges are assigned to each polling place. They help ensure that the rights of voters are protected on election day. They also serve an important role by administering election procedures in the voting place. Without election judges, it would be impossible to conduct an election.

What Do Election Judges Do On Election Day?
Open and close the polling place
Be responsible for election materials
Register and sign-in voters
Distribute ballots
Obtain results after polls are closed
Certify election results at the polling place

What Days And Hours Would I Work?
Election judges work either the primary election or the general election, or both. Many judges work from 6:00 a.m. until about 9:00 p.m. You may also choose to work half-days from either 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Will I Be Paid?
Yes. Pay varies. Usually it's at least minimum wage.

What Are the Qualifications Necessary To Be An Election Judge?

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be able to read, write and speak English
• Be eligible to vote in Minnesota
• An election judge may not serve at an election when his/her spouse, parent, child, or sibling is a candidate. In addition, an election judge may not serve in the same precinct with his/her spouse, parent, child, or sibling.

Can I Take Time Off From Work To Serve As An Election Judge?
Yes. Minnesota law allows you to take time off from work without loss of wages to serve as an election judge if you give your employer 20 days prior written notice.

Is Training Provided?
Yes. Election judges are required to successfully complete a training class at least once every two years. Classes are two hours long and are conducted on weekday evenings and on the Saturday before the election.

How Am I Assigned to Work As An Election Judge?
Assignments are made based on several factors:
Party Balance - State law requires a balance among the election judges from different political parties in each polling place..
Number of Vacancies - The number of vacancies in each precinct varies anywhere from 4 to 12 judges based primarily on the number of registered voters in the precinct.
Working Area - The Election Department tries to assign election judges as close to their home precinct as possible.

When Will I Receive My Election Judge Assignment?
Assignment letters for the primary election are mailed in August. Assignment letters for the general election are mailed in October.

How Do I Become An Election Judge?
Contact your county or city election office. For phone numbers see the government contacts on our voter information page.