Learn how to become an election judge and view training materials.
We conducted fair and efficient elections in 2022 due in no small part to all of the election judges. We're grateful for those volunteers and look forward to working with them in 2024! If you'd like to join the group of potential judges for 2024, please read below.
We're recruiting anyone over 18 years of age who is eligible to vote. You can complete the application if you are interested in serving as an election judge. You will be added to the election judge list and a clerk will be in contact with you as we get closer to the election.
Election judges are responsible for the administration of the election in the polling place. Duties include:
- Opening the polls (judges start working at 6:00 am)
- Directing voters through the building or to the correct polling location
- Ensuring that only qualified voters are allowed to vote
- Distributing ballots
- Assisting voters who request assistance
- Maintaining order throughout the polling place
- Operating election equipment
- Printing the results after the polls are closed (polls close at 8:00 p.m. — shift may end at 9:00 p.m. or later; some half-day shifts may be available)
- Certifying the precinct election results
- Returning all election materials to the county auditor
Any resident of Minnesota that is eligible to vote is eligible to be an election judge. Election judges are required to state their political party. State law requires that 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 must be affiliated with a major political party 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 living 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 must be able to read, write, and speak English.
In Goodhue County, the cities and townships appoint election judges to serve at their polling locations.
Pay varies according to the municipality. Minnesota law allows you time off from work to be an election judge. Notify your employer in writing at least 20 days in advance and attach a copy of your schedule and pay rate form.
If you are interested in serving as an election judge, please complete the Election Judge Application. Your city or township clerk will call you when your service is needed. You will be required to complete Election Judge Training and will obtain a certification at the completion of training. The certification is good for two years.
See the Minnesota Secretary of State for additional information about becoming an election judge.
Below are the most current election training materials available.
