Can you be an Election Judge??
You must be a U.S. Citizen and at least 18 years old, a Minnesota resident for at least 20 days, and able to read, write and speak English. Training is required (2 hours) for becoming a judge. You can not be a judge if you are a candidate in that election; the husband, wife, parent, child, brother or sister of a candidate; the husband, wife, parent, child, brother or sister of another judge in the same precinct; or a challenger.
What does a Judge Do??
Roster Judge: Usually two or three people sitting at the sign in table. They sign in pre-registered voters, and check for corrections to names and addresses. Once signed in, the roster judge will give the ballot request form to the voter.
Registration Judge: This judge will register all new residents, residents with name changes and address changes. This judge must know the area, able to request proper information to verify identification and address information.
Ballot Judge: This judge will receive the ballot request form, hand the ballot over to the voter, explain how to fill out the form, and be able to answer questions about the ballot.
Machine Judge: This judge will make sure the ballots enter the tabulator and are recorded properly. They must be trained in using the machine and able to explain to the voter why their ballot was not accepted, be able to figure out why the ballot machine is not working properly. This judge is also in charge of knowing how to operate the AutoMARK (Handicap Assessable Machine) and be able to assist the voter if need be.
Greeter Judge: This type of judge is optional and used in large Presidential elections. They can stand by the door and direct the voters to the proper registration area or line they should be in, they can hand out the “I Voted” stickers, or they can also direct voters to the area of where to vote (find empty booths or sitting area). A greeter judge can be a student trainee and meet the trainee judge’s requirements.
Head Judge: This judge assigns duties among the judges, answers questions or complaints, tabulates the closing of the election, and is responsible for performance of all required duties. This judge requires additional training (3 hours of training). It is also the responsibility of the head judge to make sure the voting boxes get returned to the county the night of the election.
Election Clerk: The clerk makes sure the legal notices are posted properly, polling place is set up, all appropriate signs are posted, and the machines are running properly and holds the public accuracy test as required by law. The clerk requires additional (5 hours) training.
If you should have any questions or wish to become an election judge, you may contact the Maine Prairie Township Clerk at 320-398-2905.