Your local municipality’s City Clerk is probably looking for people to serve as election judges during the upcoming elections (many cities and school districts have off-year elections coming up this year). We know that ultra-conservative groups are soliciting their supporters to become election judges because they’re certain there is massive voter fraud here in Minnesota (hint: there isn’t).
Here’s information from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website:
Election judges (poll workers) are paid officials who staff local polling places, carry out election procedures, and make sure that the rights of voters are protected. During a general election, there are more than 30,000 election judges who staff more than 4,100 precincts. Serving as an election judge is a chance to learn about elections, and is a great service to the community — apply to be an election judge.
Requirements, Wages and Time Off From Work
- You must be eligible to vote in Minnesota and be able to read, write and speak English.
- You must complete an election judge training course (at least two hours).
- Election judges can choose to volunteer or be paid. Wages vary by city.
- Employers are required to give employees time off to work as an election judge.
Position Descriptions
Election judges may switch among these positions during the day:
- Head Judge is in charge of the polling place.
- Greeter Judge directs traffic flow and maintains order.
- Roster Judge signs in voters who registered in advance.
- Registration Judge registers voters who did not register in advance.
- Demonstration Judge explains how to mark a ballot.
- Ballot Judge gives ballots to voters.
- Ballot Counter Judge oversees the ballot box area and gives out “I Voted” stickers.
Election Judge (Poll Worker) and Student Judge Trainee Application
Go to mnvotes.org and click on “Be An Election Judge”
If you live in a city or county listed below, complete that application.
If you do not live in a city or county listed below, complete the election judge application on the state web site (PDF link) and email it to your county election office.
City-Specific Election Judge Applications (if you’re not in Hennepin County, check for special County-Specific Applications on the website mnvotes.org)
- Blaine
- Bloomington
- Richfield
Requirements to Be a Student Judge Trainee
- Ages 16 or 17 (on election day).
- U.S. citizen in good academic standing at a Minnesota high school (or home schooled).
- Obtain school and parental permission.
- Serve in the county where they reside or in an adjacent county.
Trainees are paid at least two-thirds of the minimum wage.
Like other judges, they do not have to serve the entire day; they cannot work past 10 p.m. Trainees are assigned the same duties as other judges, with the exception of tasks requiring party affiliation. Trainees do not designate party affiliation. Trainees must attend and complete the same training as other judges.