Anyone eligible to vote who can read, write, and speak English can be an election judge. However, an election judge cannot be a candidate in the election or closely related to a candidate. No more than half of the election judges in a precinct can be members of the same major political party and judges must declare a major political party affiliation. Note: election judges are not identified by party once on the job at the polling place.  All election judges should be comfortable with using an iPad, be able to hear in large crowds and have good finger dexterity for distributing ballots.

Yes, the current pay is between $12.50- $14 per hour depending upon position.

Minnesota Statute 204B.195 allows individuals to take time off from work, without penalty or loss of wages, to serve as elections judges on election day(s). A 20-day written notice requesting to be absent from work for this purpose must be submitted to the employer. The request must be accompanied by a certification from the City of Farmington indicating the days and hours the employee will serve as an election judge. The employer may reduce the salary of the employee by the amount received for working as an election judge for hours the employee would normally work. The statute makes this decision optional for the employer.

College students make great election judges. Students at least 18 years of age can serve as election judges.

Appointments are recommended by City Administration, depending on the needs for each election and approved by the City Council.

Judges are required to have a minimum of two hours of training.  Training for basic election judge duties is done online.  Epoll book training is done in person at Farmington City Hall. Judges are paid for training hours as long as you fulfill your commitment to serve on election day.

Complete the election judge sign-up form and return it to Farmington City Hall. Contact the City Clerk at 651-280-6803 or email [email protected] with questions.