Serve as an Election Judge

Election judges are responsible for the administration of election procedures in each voting place on election day. Election judges help guarantee the rights of voters are protected on election day and that the election process is fair and in accordance with state and federal laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving as an election judge is a great opportunity to serve the community. Come work with us! Click on the title below for more information.

Who is eligible?

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.

Are election judges paid?

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

How about taking time off work?

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.

Can students serve as election judges?

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

How are election judges selected?

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

How are election judges trained?

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.

How can I become an election judge?

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.
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