Election judges: Protecting the security, accuracy, and integrity of every vote

When voters head to the polls, they likely do not fully understand what happens behind the scenes to ensure an election runs smoothly. Election judges are at the center of that work, helping to ensure that every eligible voter can cast a ballot and that every ballot is handled accurately, securely, and according to Minnesota law. 

Before serving on Election Day, all election judges complete state-required training covering election laws, voting procedures, voter registration, voting equipment, accessibility requirements, voter privacy, and election security procedures. This training gives election judges the knowledge they need to carry out their responsibilities and respond appropriately to the many situations that can arise during voting. 

Security starts before the polls open 

Election judges begin their work before the first voter arrives. They help prepare the polling place and ensure equipment, supplies, and voting areas are ready when the polls open. 

Throughout Election Day, judges follow detailed procedures designed to protect the security and privacy of the voting process. They check in voters, process Election Day registrations, issue ballots, answer questions, and assist voters while taking care to protect the privacy of each person's vote. 

Election judges are also trained to assist voters with disabilities and provide language assistance when needed. These services help ensure eligible voters can participate in the election while maintaining the same standards for security, privacy, and accuracy. 

Accuracy depends on following established procedures 

Election judges have specific procedures to follow for a wide range of situations that may occur during voting, including spoiled ballots and voter challenges. Rather than making decisions on their own, judges rely on Minnesota law, their training, and established election procedures. 

Head election judges provide guidance throughout Election Day, helping ensure procedures are followed consistently and questions are addressed appropriately. 

An important part of that process is the bipartisan structure of election administration. Many critical election tasks require two election judges – representing different major political parties – to work together. This provides important checks and balances throughout the voting process and helps reinforce confidence that election procedures are being followed fairly and consistently. 

Integrity continues after the polls close 

The work does not end when the last voter leaves. After the polls close, election judges work together to reconcile ballots, complete required documentation, and securely close the polling place. 

These steps create a clear record of what occurred during the day and help ensure election materials are properly secured before they are returned. Following these procedures carefully is an essential part of maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the election from the opening of the polls through the close of the voting process. 

Election judges play a vital role in Minnesota elections. Through training, bipartisan checks and balances, careful attention to established procedures and a commitment to serving voters, they help ensure elections are conducted fairly, accurately, securely and transparently. 

Their work may happen largely behind the scenes, but it is essential to ensuring voters can have confidence in the election process.