Become an Election Judge
Application can be found HERE:
What are Election Judges?
Judges of elections are responsible for the administration of election procedures in the polling place on Election Day. They are in the position of ensuring that the election process is administered fairly and in accordance with the law.
Where would I work? With whom would I work?
The City of Waseca has 3 Wards divided into 6 precincts. Precinct polling places are located in schools, city/county buildings, churches and other public buildings. A board of judges consisting of a Head Judge and four or more other judges staff each precinct.
What days and hours would I work?
Election judges work at either or both the primary election and general election. They begin work at 6:00 am and work until the polls are closed and the results tallied, usually about 15 hours. Some precincts have enough judges so that “split shifts” are possible.
The rate of pay for standard election judges will be $11.00 per hour, and for head judges, it will be $15.00 per hour.
State law allows an individual to take time off from work without loss of wages to serve as an election judge.
What would I do as an election judge?
- Open and close the polls
- Be responsible for election supplies and materials
- Ensure only qualified voters are permitted to vote
- Distribute ballots
- Help voters requiring assistance
- Maintain order in the polling place
- Obtain results after the polls are closed
- Certify precinct election results
Is training provided?
Yes. Judges are required to attend a two-hour training class every year they work. Classes are conducted at the Waseca County East Annex. Training is usually scheduled sometime in June and July. Additional classes may be held for those who are working only the November general election. Judges are paid to take the class, and this payment is processed along with the pay for any work on election day.
Am I eligible to serve?
Judges must reside in and be eligible to vote in the State of Minnesota. They must state a political party preference, as State law requires a party balance in each voting place.
How am I assigned to work as an Election Judge?
Assignments are made based on several factors:
- Number of vacancies
- The number of judges working in each of our 6 precincts varies from 4 to 8, based primarily on the number of registered voters in the precinct. Other issues, such as a heavily contested race, may also factor into the decision.
- Experience/number of elections worked.
- Home Precinct: Ideally, each judge would be assigned to work in or near his or her home precinct. However, when necessary, judges may be called to work in any precinct in the City where additional staff is needed.
- Party Balance: Each precinct is required to have a board of judges with a political party balance. You will be required to select one of the following: DFL, Republican, or None..
When will I receive my election judge assignment?
In most cases, you will be contacted in advance of the election by the City Clerk.
Head judges generally contact their precinct workers within a week of the election. However, last-minute replacements are usually made by telephone via the precinct Head Judge or City Clerk’s office during the days immediately preceding the election. If you are unsure whether or not you are scheduled to work the next election, contact the City Clerk’s office at (507) 835-9700.
What if I can’t work?
Judges who accept their assignment and then find they cannot work should notify their precinct Head Judge immediately. Precinct Head Judge's who discover that they will not be available for a given election, or who no longer wish to act as the head judge, are responsible for naming a replacement.