Election Judges

Thank You!

We are wrapping up our Election Judge training for the general election and are no longer accepting applications for the 2022 election year. Please check back in late 2023 for updated information and to apply to serve for the 2024 election year, we appreciate all of you and we're grateful for your willingness to serve your communities as Election judges. 

Serving as an Election Judge is a great way to learn about elections and how the process works. If you feel that you would be a great fit or would like to learn more about the election process, please complete the application below. We will reach out as we get closer to the 2024 Election year. 


Blue Earth County is always recruiting Election Judges!

Complete this application to serve your community. We're recruiting anyone over 18 years of age who are eligible to vote, as well as students who are 16 or 17 years old. We'll get you on our Election Judge list and be in contact with you as we get closer to the election usually mid June.



Adopt a Precinct
 
Click the Adopt-a-Precinct Banner to learn how your Organization, Business, or School Group can Volunteer or Raise Funds while Serving Your Community and Participating in the Election!



Duties of Election Judges


Election judges are responsible for the administration of election procedures in the voting place. Election judges help to guarantee that the rights of voters are protected on Election Day. Duties include:
  • Opening and closing the polls (judges work from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm or later; however half-day shifts may be available)
  • Being responsible for all election materials
  • Ensuring only qualified voters are permitted to vote only once
  • Distributing ballots
  • Helping voters requiring assistance
  • Maintaining order in the voting place throughout the day
  • Registering new voters at the polling site
  • Obtaining the results after the polls are closed
  • Certifying the precinct election results

Eligibility Requirements


Any person who resides in and is eligible to vote in the county where they serve is eligible to be an election judge. Judges are asked to state a political party preference. No more than half of the election judges in a precinct may be members of the same major political party.
  • You must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days and be a citizen of the United States. You should be prepared to provide identification to prove your identity.
  • You must be affiliated with a major political party to complete some tasks and not stating a party may restrict your eligibility.
  • You cannot be the husband, wife, parent, child, brother, or sister of a candidate or be domiciled (live with) a candidate, either permanently or temporarily.
  • You cannot be related to another election judge in the same precinct.
  • You cannot be a candidate for the election in which you are serving as a judge.
  • You cannot be a judge unless you can read, write, and speak the English language understandably.

Selection of Judges

The governing body of the municipality or township appoints election judges for precincts in a municipality and townships.


Student Election Judges


Students aged 16-18 may be eligible to be an election judge trainee. To be an election judge trainee, a person must meet the following criteria; 
  • Be age 16 or older
  • Be enrolled in a high school or be home-schooled in Minnesota
  • Have the approval of a parent and school principal
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be able to read, write, and speak English
Upon turning 18, students may serve as a regular election judge. To apply as an Election Judge Trainee, fill out the county's Election Judge application and read more in the Election Judge Trainee Guide.

Payment for Election Judge Services & Time Off Of Work

The pay varies according to precinct policy. Pay will be at least minimum wage. Like jury duty, Minnesota law allows you time off from work with full work pay if you give 20 days' prior notice to your employer.

Election judges may not receive their payment for up to 4-5 weeks after the election they work due to post-election workload, but it will be processed as soon as possible.

Becoming an Election Judge

If you are interested in becoming an election judge, please fill out the Election Judge Application. 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.

The Minnesota Secretary of State website has additional information on becoming an election judge.