Be an Election Worker

You can earn money for your public service by working as an election judge (worker).

Judges are responsible for administering the voting procedures and making the process as easy as possible for the voters. They greet and check-in voters, give directions, and oversee the procedures to ensure voters are able to cast their ballots while maintaining the integrity of the process. They are the face of the election process and represent their county, state and country to the voting public.

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)
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.)

Election Judge Qualifications

You must be...

A registered voter in the State of Maryland. A 16 or 17 year old who has pre-registered must also have consent from a 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.)
Able to speak, read and write in English.
Able to work at least 15 hours. Some positions require standing for long periods of time. Occasionally you may be asked to lift items weighing as much as 25 pounds.
At your assigned polling place by 5:45 am on every day you are assigned (Early Voting and/or Election Day) and be able to stay until the polling place is closed and cleaned. Judges cannot leave the polling place at any time except for medical emergencies. You must bring food and medication with you or have it delivered.
Able to help set up the evening before Election Day (this does not apply to Early Voting). Time will be set by the Chief Judge team. You may speak with the chiefs if you are unable to make the set time.
Able to attend a three to three and a half hour required training class.
Courteous and able to work with the voting public and others on your team.

NOTE: While on duty, an Election Judge must not engage in any partisan or political activity or discussions.
NOTE: Judges cannot be a candidate or a chair, campaign manager or treasurer for a candidate or political committee.

Election Judge Roles

Election judges are cross-trained to perform each role except provisional and chief positions. All judges are expected to help set up Monday night before Election Day (not Early Voting). All judges are required to stay to clean up the polling place and pack the equipment after the election closes. The Chief Judges will excuse all judges at the same time.

Please note that you may be assigned to a polling place that is not in your precinct. While all efforts are made to keep you as close to your precinct as possible, no guarantees can be made.

Check-In Judges

These judges greet voters and check them into the voting system using an electronic pollbook. They are responsible for set up and packing of the electronic pollbooks.

Ballot Issuing Judges

These judges check the issued Voter Authority Card and give the voter the appropriate ballot. They are responsible for set up and the secure packing of the unused ballots.

Voting Judges

There are several duty stations within this category.

Voting judges greet voters and make sure the correct ballot was given. The judge will either direct or escort the voter to a voting booth or to a Ballot Marking Device depending on which the voter has chosen to use.
A Voting Judge will be stationed by the Ballot Marking Device to explain how to use the touch screen and to answer any questions.
A Voting Judge will be positioned by each Scanning Unit to give directions on how to feed the ballot into the machine and to answer any questions.
These judges are responsible for set up of the voting booths, Ballot Marking Devices and Scanning Units and the secure packing of the equipment at the end of the day.

Provisional Judges

This position does not rotate with the others. These are experienced judges who have gone through specialized training to help voters with non-standard situations. They work with voters to fill out the appropriate paperwork to allow them to mark a ballot. These judges are responsible for set up and packing of the provisional materials.

Chief Judges

These experienced judges have gone through additional specialized training. They are responsible for overseeing the operations to ensure the integrity of the election process. Any issues are directed to them so the other judges can continue working with voters. They have both supervisory and administrative duties. They are responsible for overseeing set up and closing of the polling place with an emphasis on the Scanning Units.

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!

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)
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.)