Become an Election Judge

Overview

The job posting for becoming an election judge has closed for 2022.  Below is general information regarding the role. The job posting will open again in 2024 for the 2024 election cycle.

Election Judges are essential to our democracy. Serving as an Election Judge or Trainee provides an opportunity to learn more about the election process and is a great service to our community.

During a general election, approximately 150 Election Judges are needed to staff 12 polling locations in Inver Grove Heights.  

Election Judges and Election Judge Trainees are paid officials who staff local polling places and ensure the rights of voters are protected on Election Day. Election Judges must be at least 18 years old, while Trainees must be at least 16 years old. 

Election Judge Official Duties

On the day of an election, Election Judges may be assigned to: 

  • Set up the polling place
  • Greet and route voters
  • Check-in voters on an ePollbook
  • Register new voters on ePollbook
  • Ensure all qualified voters are permitted to vote
  • Demonstrate how to vote
  • Distribute ballots to voters
  • Assist voters
  • Operate voting equipment
  • Close the polling place
  • Determine results after the polls close

Required Qualifications

To serve as an Election Judge you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old on Election Day
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be a Minnesota resident
  • Have not had your voting rights revoked
  • Be able to read, write and speak English
  • Attend a three-hour training session
  • Have some experience using and iPad or tablet

Ideal Qualifications

  • Communicate clearly with voters
  • Enjoy assisting and serving the community
  • Are able to work long hours
  • Handle stressful situations calmly
  • Demonstrate attention to detail
  • Have excellent math skills

Student Election Judge

Student Election Judges work in polling places with Election Judges. Students may begin a work day at 6 a.m. and end a work day no later than 10 p.m.

To be a Student Election Judge you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old (at age 18 you may be an Election Judge) on Election Day
  • Be enrolled in a high school or homeschool in Minnesota
  • Have your parent or guardian sign a permission notes that they approve of your participation
  • Have your high school principal or homeschool teacher sign a statement that you are performing at an acceptable academic level

On the day of an election, Student Election Judges may be assigned to: 

  • Set up the polling place
  • Greet and route voters
  • Check-in voters on an ePollbook
  • Register new voters on ePollbook
  • Ensure all qualified voters are permitted to vote
  • Demonstrate how to vote
  • Distribute ballots to voters
  • Assist voters
  • Operate voting equipment
  • Close the polling place
  • Determine results after the polls close

Required Qualifications

To serve as a Student Election Judge you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old on Election Day
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be a Minnesota resident
  • Be able to read, write and speak English
  • Attend a three-hour training session
  • Have some experience using and iPad or tablet

Ideal Qualifications

  • Communicate clearly with voters
  • Enjoy assisting and serving the community
  • Are able to work long hours
  • Handle stressful situations calmly
  • Demonstrate attention to detail
  • Have excellent math skills

Time Off to Serve

Time off from Employment

By law your employer must give you paid time off to serve as an Election Judge.

To qualify, you must provide your employer with a least 20 days written notice and the pay rate form you receive from the City Clerk when you are hired to serve as an Election Judge.

Your employer may:

  • Reduce your salary or wages by the amount you are paid as an election judge during the time you are away from work.
  • Restrict the number of its employees serving as an election judge to no more than 20 percent at a single work site.

Time off from School to Serve

To be excused from school to serve as a Student Election Judge, at least 10 days before the election, you must obtain written approval from your parent or guardian and your School Principal by having them sign the official Student Election Judge Sign-Up Form provided by the City Clerk or the school.