ELECTION JUDGES

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 Election judges are essential to our democracy! Election judges staff polling places, administer election procedures, and ensure the  rights of voters are protected on Election Day. Persons may take time  off from work to be an election judge by providing an employer at least  20 days written notice. Employers may reduce pay by the amount earned as  an election judge during time away from work.  You can choose to volunteer or be paid.  

Each year the township needs approximately 12 election judges for the Primary and General election. No more than half of the election judges in a precinct may be members of the same major political party.  

 To be eligible, candidates must:  

• Be eligible to vote.  16 and 17  years-old can be election judge trainees. 
• Be able to read, write, and speak English.
• There are restrictions on having relatives serve together as election  judges. A relative is defined as a spouse, parent, stepparent, child,  stepchild, sibling, or step-sibling. Relatives cannot serve together in the same precinct at the same time.
• Cannot be a spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a candidate on the ballot in the same precinct.
• Take required training provided by Sherburne County. 
• Election judges earn $18.00 per hour.

In addition to training provided by Sherburne County, the Office of the  Secretary of State provides the following materials to assist in  training of election judges. These are excellent resources for new and  returning judges.  
 

• Election Judge Guide
• Election Judge Training Videos
• Election Judge Training PowerPoint
• Election Judge Workbook

Sherburne County uses electronic rosters.  For instructions on using the poll books click here. 

For more information on how to become an election judge, visit the

Secretary of State's Website or email the clerk.
 

Judges must be appointed by Resolution of the Town Board.  This is  typically completed by the end of May each election year.  If you are  interested in being an election judge or have questions, please contact the clerk via email or call 763-263-6411

16 and 17-year-old students can work as election judge trainees,  receive training, and be paid for their work.  It’s a great way to learn  about elections and voting, and earn cash at the same time!

You cannot be asked to work past 10:00 p.m.  You will be assigned the  same duties as other judges, with the exception of tasks requiring party  affiliation.  You will need to attend and complete the same training as  other judges.

For more information on how to become an election judge trainee, contact the clerk.