Election judges help administer elections. Many are needed to make sure this process goes smoothly. The county, cities, townships and school districts appoint election judges.
Election judges open and close the pol ls on Election Day. They help voters who need assistance, ensure only qualified voters are permitted to vote and certify precinct election results. Election judges are also hired to process absentee ballot with the county's and cities' Absentee Ballot Boards. To learn more about being an election judge, read the state,
Election Judge Trainee brochure.
Election judges are paid for their work. The rate is set by each organization.
Apply to be an election judge
There are many roles Dakota County election judges can serve in:
Temporary position with the county
Dakota County employs a team of temporary election staff for several weeks leading up to an election at locations throughout the county. Temporary elections staff assist with a variety of tasks that include:
- Issue absentee ballots to county residents at county service centers.
- Accurately compile statistics related to issued and received absentee ballots
- Process received absentee ballots
- Prepare, stuff and collate election related materials
- Answer questions from the voters and others regarding elections
- Prepare and enter data into the state voter registration system
- Other duties as assigned
Absentee Ballot Board election judges
Absentee Ballot Board election judges at Dakota County are responsible for a variety of tasks that include:
- Review returned absentee ballots for completion
- Use the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS) to determine voter's registration status and compare voter's identifying requirements
- Review voter's witness eligibility
- Process ballots
- Other duties as assigned
Election judges on the Absentee Ballot Board will meet weekdays at the Dakota County Administration Center in Hastings. The frequency and length of time the board is convened is dependent on the volume of incoming ballots.
Election Day judge
Election Day election judges open and close the polls, help voters who need assistance, and certify precinct election results. Election judges are paid for their work and the rate is set by each organization.
You can apply to become an election judge at the following locations:
If you have questions about serving as an Election Day judge, please reach out to your city’s elections office.
Election judge requirements
To be an election judge, you must be:
- At least 18 years of age
- A Minnesota resident for at least 20 days
- A citizen of the United States (Identification may be required.)
- Able to read, write and speak the English language
- Eligible to vote in Minnesota
- Appointed by the municipal clerk
- Able to attend biennial training sessions
You cannot be:
- Related to another election judge in the same precinct
- A candidate for the election in which you are serving
- A candidate's spouse, parent, child, brother or sister
- Living with a candidate on the ballot at that election, either permanently or temporarily
Additional information
For more ways to be involved in elections, visit
mnvotes.org.