Election Judge Information

What is an Election Judge?

Election judges (poll workers) are paid officials who staff local polling places, carry out election procedures, and make sure that the rights of voters are protected. During a general election, there are more than 30,000 election judges who staff more than 4,100 precincts statewide. Serving as an election judge is a chance to learn about elections, and is a great service to the community.

Requirements, Wages, and Time Off From Work

  • You must be eligible to vote in Minnesota and be able to read, write, and speak English. 
  • You must complete an election judge training course (at least two hours). 
  • Election judges can choose to volunteer or be paid. Wages vary by city and township.
  • Employers are required to give employees time off to work as an election judge.

Student Election Judge Trainees

Junior and senior high school students can work as election judge trainees. The student must meet the following requirements:

  • Ages 16 or 17.
  • U.S. citizen in good academic standing at a Minnesota high school (or home schooled).
  • Obtain school and parental permission.
  • Serve in the county where they reside.
  • Trainees are paid at least two-thirds of the minimum wage.

Like other judges, they do not have to serve the entire day; they cannot work past 10pm. Trainees are assigned the same duties as other judges, with the exception of tasks requiring party affiliation. Trainees do not designate party affiliation. Trainees must attend and complete the same training as other judges.

What is an Absentee Ballot Board Election Judge?

After your absentee ballot is received at the elections office, it is reviewed by an absentee ballot board. This board checks that the signature envelope was filled out correctly. Each envelope is reviewed by at least two members of the board.

How does the ballot board decide if a ballot is accepted?

They look at the following criteria on the signature envelope:

  • Ensure the name and address match what was on the absentee application
  • Ensure the ID matches what was on the absentee application
  • Ensure the voter has signed the envelope
  • Ensure a witness has completed the witness portion

The board will also:

  • Ensure the voter is registered, or has included a properly completed voter registration application
  • Ensure the voter has not already voted in the election

What is the time commitment?

Absentee Ballot Board Election Judges would need to commit to a flexible daytime schedule for the entire absentee period, which runs for 6 weeks prior to every election.  Weekly commitment could vary from 8 to 40 hours depending on volume.

Interested in serving as an election judge? 

Please complete the form linked below and Scott County will forward on to your local city or township clerk. Need to print? Visit any Scott County Library to access a public printer. 

Please mail completed form to:
Scott County Elections
200 Fourth Ave W
Shakopee, MN 55379
Prefer to scan and email? Send to: scelections@co.scott.mn.us

Already an Election Judge and need to take the 2022 training? 

At this time, this training is only required by Election Judges who have been notified by their city or town clerk to take this training. Please complete the following and notify your clerk when you are done! 

  •  Watch the 2022 Election Judge Training Video
    • You will need sound to hear the presentation.
  • Access and review the 2022 Election Judge Guide
    • If you cannot print a copy, check with your clerk. They may bring some printed copies to the polling place. 
  •  Complete the Election Judge Workbook
    • Note that we want you to complete and self-review, but you are not required to submit your answers to your clerk. You do not need to print the workbook if you would rather not – simply take note of your answers on a separate sheet of paper as you go!
  • Review the Poll Pad Training Videos 

Need to take the 2022 Health Care Facility (HCF) Training?

Please review the 2022 Health Care Facility Training PowerPoint (PPT)