Be an Election Worker

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

In Maryland, poll workers are known as Election Judges. Election Judges are the face of election operations, and they represent their county, state and country to the voting public. They provide direction within the polling place to ensure voters can cast their ballots securely while maintaining the integrity of the voting process during elections. If you are a reliable civic minded citizen wanting to actively give back to your community, you can apply to become an Election Judge.

All new and returning election judges must reapply each election year they wish to serve.

Apply to Work as an Election Judge

There are two easy ways to apply:

Click here to complete an online application (The application will open 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 - Please Read Before Applying to Serve

Election Judges must be a registered voter in the State of Maryland.
- 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.
- A 16- or 17-year-old who has pre-registered must also have consent from a parent or guardian to become and Election Judge
Must be able to speak, read and write in English.
Must be able to work at least 15 hours.
Must be able to stand Some positions require standing for long periods of time.
Must be able to lift items weighing as much as 25 pounds.
Must have own transportation and be able to arrive at your assigned polling place by 5:45 am on every day you are assigned (Early Voting and/or Election Day)
Must be able to stay until the polling place is closed and cleaned. The assigned Chief Judge will inspect dismiss all Election Judges when tasks are completed and verified.
Election Judges may not leave the polling place at any time except for medical emergencies. You must bring food and medication with you or have it delivered.
Must be able to help set up the evening before Election Day (this does not apply to Early Voting). Set up time will be determined by the Chief Judge team and communicated to the Election Judges prior to the day of set up via email or phone call.
Must be able to attend a three to three and a half hour required training class.
Must be able to be courteous to the voting public and others on your team.
Election Judges must not engage in any partisan or political activity or discussions while at the polling place.
Election Judges cannot be a candidate, chair, campaign manager or treasurer for a candidate or political committee.
Must be able to work at assigned polling place. While all efforts are made to keep you as close as possible to your precinct no guarantee can be made that you will be assigned to the precinct of your choice

Election Judge Roles

Election judges are cross-trained to perform each role except provisional and chief positions.

Check-In Judges
These judges greet voters and check them into the voting system using an electronic pollbook. They are responsible for setting up and packing up 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 setting up and the secure packing up 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 setting up 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 setting 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.

Elections can only happen with the help of people like you!

Apply to Work as an Election Judge

There are two easy ways to apply:

Click here to complete an online application (The application will open 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.)

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at 301-600-2524 or email ElectionJudge@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

We thank you for your interest!