Becoming an Election Judge

The 2024 Elections are coming soon. Are you interested in serving as an election judge?

Election judges are an important part of ensuring that our elections are fair, impartial, and accessible for all eligible voters. At each polling place, multiple election judges work together to ensure all qualified voters are permitted to vote. Judges:

• check voters in
• explain voting procedures and use of voting equipment
• distribute ballots
• register new voters
• offer assistance as needed
• close the polling places at the end of election day
• verify and certify results by precinct.

What qualifications do I need to be an election judge? 
To be an election judge, you: 

• must be eligible to vote in Minnesota
• must be able to read, write, and speak English
• take two hours of election judge training (training is provided by Isanti or Kanabec County Auditors' Office)
• cannot be a spouse, parent, child, or sibling of any election judge serving in the same precinct
• cannot be a candidate or the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of any candidate on the ballot in that precinct

Desired Qualifications

• ability to communicate clearly with voters
• comfort 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

Time off from work

By law, your employer must give you time off to work as an election judge. You must give your employer at least 20 days written notice. Your employer can reduce your salary or wages by the amount you are paid as an election judge.

Pay

Election judges earn $14 per hour and the Head Election earns $15.00 per hour

If you would like to serve as an election judge you can fill out the Election Judge Interest Form below or call City Hall at 320-396-3383.