Election Judge

Election Judges serve as guardians of Democracy. They are vital to efficient and honest elections. Election Judges proudly conduct elections with accuracy, integrity, and dignity.

The City of Maplewood needs more than 200 Election Judges to work at the polls every election. You can join this team of dependable and caring individuals who help ensure this basic right of U.S. citizenship: to vote in fair and free elections.

How to Become an Election Judge

SIGN UP ONLINE HERE or you can print the Election Judge Brochure (PDF), fill in the requested information and mail it to:
Elections
City of Maplewood
1830 E County Road B
Maplewood, MN 55109

You may also contact City Hall at 651-249-2003 to have a brochure mailed to you.

What Election Judges Do

Election Judges are responsible for administering election procedures in each polling place. Judge duties include:

Head judge

Manages the polling place and team. Must have previous experience working in a polling place.

Assistant Head judge

Supports the head judge when necessary and usually leads the Election Day registration process for those who need to register to vote.

Precinct judge

Assists with general polling place duties such as setting up and taking down the polling place, greeting and directing incoming voters, processing registered voters, handing out ballots and assisting voters with forms and other needs.

Absentee/Early voting judge

Meets weekly to examine absentee ballot signature envelopes for acceptance or rejection; counts accepted absentee ballots; assists absentee/early voters by processing them into the computer system and issuing ballots and voting instructions; visits nursing homes to administer absentee voting to their residents; helps with other election related duties as assigned.

Who is Eligible to be an Election Judge in Maplewood

Required qualifications to be an Election Judge:

  • You cannot serve at an election when your spouse, parent, child, or sibling is a candidate
  • You cannot serve in the same precinct with your spouse, parent, child, or sibling
  • You must be a citizen of the United States
  • You must be able to read, write and speak English
  • You must be eligible to vote in Minnesota
  • You must be at least 18 years of age
    • Students who are at least 16 years of age may serve as a trainee election judge; for more information, please contact Maplewood City Hall at 651-249-2002

Time Commitment

Judges need to work both the primary and general elections from approximately 6 am to 9 pm or later.

Reimbursement

Election Judges are paid an hourly wage to attend the mandatory training class and for service on Election Day.

Time Off From Work

Like jury duty, Minnesota Law allows time off from work without lost wages to serve as an Election Judge if you give 20 days prior notice to your employer. Review Minnesota Statute 204B.195 for more information.

Training

Election Judges attend a 2-hour training class. If you are unable to attend a training class, arrangements may be made to accommodate your schedule by calling 651-249-2002.