election judge interest form
office of the minnesota secretary of state
About Election Judges
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.
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.
• 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 10 p.m. 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.
