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Become an Election Judge

Meet your Neighbors, Be an Election Judge

Are efficient, fair elections important to you? You can help protect voters' rights, serve your community—and be paid to do it. Effective August 1, 2014, Minneapolis has increased the pay for serving as an election judge to $11.20 per hour.

Join America's largest simultaneous one-day team in the nation!  See our Election Judge brochure (pdf) or complete an application online now.  We are always looking to add to our team for future elections.

Election Judge qualifications

• U.S. citizen eligible to vote in Minnesota
• Able to read, write and speak English
• Attend an election judge training course (at least two hours)

Election Judge DUTIEs

• Head Judge: 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: provides the ballots to the voters
• Ballot Counter Judge: oversees the ballot counter and hands out "I Voted" stickers
• Additional duties include setting up and closing down the polling place, and certifying the polling place results

 Minneapolis Election Judge Credo

As election judges we serve as the Gatekeepers of Democracy.

As the public's guardians of freedom within a democratic society, we are responsible for the integrity of the election process.

On behalf of the people of the city of Minneapolis we proudly conduct elections with accuracy, integrity and dignity.

We conduct ourselves and serve the voters in a manner that maintains public trust and confidence in honest and impartial elections.

Election Judge Pay

Minneapolis Election Judges are paid an hourly wage to attend a training class and for service on Election Day. The hourly wage for Minneapolis Election Judges is $11.20 per hour.

State law allows for time off from work without loss of wages (Minnesota Statute 204B.195).

TIME OFF FROM EMPLOYMENT TO SERVE

• Reduce your salary or wages by the amount you are paid as an election judge during the time you are away from work
• Restrict the number of its employees serving as election judges to no more than 20 percent from a single work site

Scheduling

Full-day (6 a.m. to approximately 9 p.m.) or part-time shifts (6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 p.m. to approximately 9 p.m.) are available. Election Judge assignments are made by the Elections & Voter Services Division. Each precinct is assigned four to 12 judges, depending on the needs of the election.