Serve as an Election Judge

Serving as an Election Judge is a great service to our community and essential to our democracy. Election Judges are officials that staff local polling places, administer election procedures, and ensure that the rights of voters are protected on Election Day. 

Duties of an Election Judge

  • Set up the polling place
  • Operate voting equipment
  • Direct voters to the correct line
  • Register individuals to vote
  • Ensure all qualified voters are permitted to vote
  • Demonstrate how to vote
  • Distribute ballots to voters
  • Assist voters
  • Close down polling place following voting
  • Determine results after polls close
  • Certify the polling place results

Election Judges are required to take training provided by the county.

Required Qualifications to be an Election Judge

  • You must be eligible to vote in Minnesota
  • You must be able to read, write, and speak English
  • You cannot be a spouse, parent, child, or sibling of any election judge serving in the same precinct, unless serving on separate shifts.
  • You cannot be a candidate or the spouse, parent, child, stepchild or sibling of an candidate on the ballot in that precinct

Desired Qualifications of an Election Judge

  • Ability to communicate clearly with voters
  • Comfortable with assisting and serving a diverse population
  • Ability to remain impartial and not exert influence over voters
  • Physical and emotional stamina
  • Attention to detail
  • General math skills
  • Fluency in a second language

Becoming an Election Judge

All appointments are made by township or city councils at least 25 days before an election. If appointed, you must attend training conducted by your county auditor.

Time Off From Employment to Serve

You may take time off from work to be an election judge.

  • You must give your employer at least 20 days written notice, and you must attach the hour/pay rate form you will receive from the township board or city council that appoints you.
  • Your employer may reduce your salary/wages by the amount you are paid as an election judge during the time your are away from work.
  • Your employer may restrict the number of its employees serving as election judges to no more than 20% at a single work site.

Student Eligibility