Election Judge Information

What Are Election Judges

Election judges are responsible for the administration of election procedures in each polling place on Election Day. Election judges help guarantee that the rights of voters are protected on Election Day.

To serve as an election judge a person must meet the following requirements:

  • Be eligible to vote in the State of Minnesota
  • Be able to read, write, and speak English
  • Be appointed by the City Council

Typical Day & Duties for an Election Judge

A typical day for an Election Judge on an Election Day is a long day. The day starts around 6 a.m. with the judges preparing the polling place to be ready and open at 7 a.m. for voters.  The polls close at 8pm and the reporting is then completed.  

Each judge will be assigned a job. Some polling places have judges rotate jobs throughout the day and others do not. This is something that is determined by the head judge who is in charge of the polling place. Breaks are taken throughout the day but judges are expected to be available to help if needed.

There are a variety of duties that election judges are responsible for which include the following:

  • Setting up the polling place before the polls open at 7 a.m.
  • Aid voters registering to vote
  • Distribute ballots to voters
  • Monitor precinct ballot counter
  • Help voters who require assistance
  • Complete the reports after the polls close at 8 p.m.
  • Return the reports, supplies, and machines to the County

To view all of the duties please view the Election Judge Guide (PDF).

As stated the polling places close at 8 p.m. That is when the final reports are ran for the evening and the summary statement is filled out. Once all of the reports and summary statement have been filled out the supplies, machines, and reports are turned into the County and it is officially the end of the Election Day for Election Judges. The process is the same for both the Primary and General Elections.

How to Become an Election Judge

People who are interested in being an election judge can complete the Election Judge Interest Form and send it to mnelson@egf.mn or admin@egf.mn.  Contact Megan Nelson in the Administration Office at 218-773-2483 or by email at mnelson@egf.mn with questions or for more information.

Once officially appointed by the City Council all Election Judges are required to have training every two years before each election cycle. This training is done online utilizing a program from Polk County.