In Maryland, Election Workers are called Election Judges, and one of the responsibilities of the Frederick County Board of Elections is the appointment of Election Judges to staff the different polling locations in the county. It is a great way to help your community, and make a little extra money.

Election Judges operate the polling place and are a very important part of the electoral process. Election Judges are the only contact the Election Office has with the general public during voting hours and are responsible for administering the actual voting procedures in each precinct. Without these individuals it would be impossible to conduct an election.

All Election Judges must make sure that qualified voters who are properly registered are able to cast their vote in a trouble-free environment. They represent the entire electoral process and may be the only person a voter has contact with when exercising his or her right to vote. Therefore, the Election Judge must be reliable, courteous, able to follow procedures exactly, and above all, possess good judgment.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO WORK AS AN ELECTION JUDGE!

Election Judge Qualifications

1. An Election Judge must be a registered voter in the State of Maryland and be able to speak, read and write the English language and work at least 15 hours.
2. You must be at least 16 years of age, and pre-registered to vote. 16 and 17 year olds must have consent from at least one parent or guardian. Click here to download that form, if needed. (NOTE: 16 and 17 year olds may serve as an election judge, but are not eligible to vote unless they will be 18 by the date of the General Election.)
3. While serving as an Election Judge, a Judge may not be a candidate, a campaign manager for a candidate, or a treasurer for a candidate or political committee.
4. While on duty, an Election Judge may not engage in any partisan or political activity.
5. You must be able to write legibly, read small print, and follow instructions.
6. You must be courteous, efficient, and able to work with others, and the public.
7. You must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time, and occasionally lift items weighing as much as 25 pounds.

All Election Judges are compensated for their services on Election Day and for attending a training class. Chief Election Judges are paid $225.00. All other Election Judges are paid $175.00. All Election Judges are paid for attending a mandatory training class. Election Judges who come to training, but do not work on Election Day will NOT be paid.

Election Judges are required to be at their assigned precincts by 6:00 am and work until the precinct is closed and everything is cleaned up. You may not leave during the day. You will need to bring your meals, snacks, and any medications you may require with you or have them delivered to you. 

Election Judge Roles

Chief Judges:

In each precinct, Democratic and Republican Chief Judges are appointed. These individuals are the supervisory officials responsible for insuring an orderly election. Their responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Picking up and returning the supplies needed to conduct the election.
• Checking the polling place before Election Day.
• Supervising the opening and closing of the polls.
• Seeing that all procedures are followed.

Check-In Judges:

These individuals' responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assisting in the opening and closing of the polls.
• Verifying the Voter Authority Card and Signature.

 Voting Unit Judges:

These individuals' responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in the opening and closing of the polls.
• Verifying the Voter Authority Card and make sure the Voter has signed.
• Monitoring activity around the ballot scanning unit and voting booths.

Ballot Issuing Judges:

These individuals' responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in the opening and closing of the polls.
• Verifying the Voter Authority Card and make sure the Voter has signed.
• Issuing the appropriate ballot to the voter and instructing the voter how to complete the ballot.

 Provisional Judges:

These individuals' responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in the opening and closing of the polls.
• Assisting first time voters in Maryland.
• Assist voters with completing the proper paperwork for a provisional ballot.

HOW TO APPLY TO WORK AS AN ELECTION JUDGE:

There are two easy ways to apply:

• Click here to complete an online application (opens in a new window,) or
• Download a printable form. You may return the form via fax, mail, or email. (If you're 16 or 17 years old, please don't forget to download the parental permission form and return that with your application.)

If you have any questions or would like more information please contact us at 301-600-VOTE (8683) or email electionjudge@frederickcountymd.gov.

We sincerely thank you for your interest!