Becoming an Election Judge
Review the guidelines for serving as an election judge and apply for a position in your upcoming election.
Election judges are needed to help administer elections. They open and close the polls on election day and help voters who need assistance, ensure only qualified voters are permitted to vote, and certify precinct election results. Sometimes election judges are hired to process absentee ballots with the Absentee Ballot Board.
Election judges are appointed by their cities, townships, and school districts. Election judges are paid for their work. The pay rate is set by cities, townships, and school districts.
Who is eligible?
To be an election judge, you must be:
- At least 18 years of age
- A Minnesota resident for at least 20 days
- A citizen of the United States (identification may be required)
- Able to read, write, and speak the English language
- Eligible to vote in Minnesota
- Appointed by the municipal clerk
- Able to attend biennial training sessions
You cannot be:
- Related to another election judge in the same precinct
- A candidate for the election in which you are serving
- A candidate's spouse, parent, child, brother, or sister
- Living with a candidate on the ballot at that election, either permanently or temporarily
Election Judge Training Tools
View the Election Judge Guide below.
Election assistants needed for Olmsted County's 2022 election cycle
Olmsted County is accepting applications for election assistants to help in the 2022 election cycle. Twelve full-time paid temporary positions need to be filled through November 23, 2022.
Minimum education qualifications
- High school graduation, or completion of General Educational Development (GED), or foreign education equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma, or experience equivalent to six months of experience in a customer-focused position.
Examples of Work
- Assists with election judge training.
- Assists voters with the absentee voting process.
- Directs voters to polling places.
- Helps during elections by answering questions, monitoring supplies, ballot counting, and directing traffic.
- Performs clerical duties including customer service, filing, answering phone calls, and data entry.
- Processes absentee records on a statewide system.
- Registers voters.
Please visit Olmsted County's Website to complete your application.
How can I become an election judge?
City of Rochester: If you are interested in becoming an election judge in the City of Rochester, please fill out the Election Judge Application on the City of Rochester's Website. Work on Election Day | Rochester, MN (rochestermn.gov)
Other Cities & Townships: If you are interested in becoming an election judge for any other jurisdiction within Olmsted County, please fill out the Election Judge Application form below.
Your local government clerk will call you for training when your service is needed. Judges are trained and certified for two years. They may work at one or several elections during their term of service.