Serve as an Election Judge

Stearns County Auditor/Treasurer
Randy R. Schreifels

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

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

Complete the election judge sign-up form (available from the MN Secretary of State) and mail it to your municipal clerk.
Attend your political party's precinct caucus and request to be on a list of volunteers to be 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 municipal clerk or 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 percent at a single work site.

Student Eligibility

College students at least 18-years old may serve as election judges .
High school students 16-years old and older may serve as trainee election judges.