Preserve Democracy in America - Be an Election Judge

Become an Election Judge l Current Judge Information

Serve as an Election Judge
Election judges are essential to our democracy.  They are officials that staff local polling places, administer election procedures, and ensure that the rights of voters are protected on Election Day. Serving as an election judge provides an opportunity to learn about the elections process and is a great service to our community.

Election judges may serve on primary, general Election Day, or both.  Some election judges are assigned to work in the Elections Office before or after the elections.  There are 105 polling locations in St. Paul, 10 in Roseville, 4 each in Mounds View and Arden Hills and two in Falcon Heights.  Polling places are typically located in schools, libraries, recreation centers, or churches.

Duties of an Election Judge

Required Qualifications to be an Election Judge

• You must be at least 18 years of age
• You must be a citizen of the United States
• You must be able to read, write and speak English
• You must be eligible to vote in Minnesota
• You cannot serve at an election in the same district where your spouse, parent, child or sibling is a candidate
• You cannot serve in the same precinct with your spouse, parent, child or sibling

Student Eligibility

• High school students at least 16-years-old may serve as election judges
• College students are encouraged to serve as election judges on or near campus

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to communicate clearly with voters
• Comfortable with assisting and serving a diverse population
• Ability to remain impartial and not exert influence over voters
• Attention to detail

Required Training
Completion of a two-hour long training class every two years. Training sessions cover basic provisions of the Minnesota election law, Ramsey County election procedures, operation of voting systems, and related topics. Classes are conducted on weekday evenings.

Days and Hours of Work
Election judges work either the primary or the general election, or both. Judges are asked to work from 6:00 a.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m., or whenever closing activities are finished.

Compensation for Time
You can choose to volunteer your time or be compensated. Saint Paul election judges are compensated at a rate of $8.00 - $12.00 per hour, depending on the duties performed.

Time Off From Employment to Serve
Minnesota law allows you to take time off from work without loss of wages to serve as an election judge if you give your employer 20 days prior written notice.
Letter to employers (pdf)

Election Judge Assignments
Assignments are made based on several factors:

Assignment letters for each election are sent by electronic or surface mail 30 days prior to the election.

Become an Election Judge
Complete the following forms and return them to:

Ramsey County Elections
90 West Plato Boulevard, Suite 160
PO Box 64098
Saint Paul, MN 55164-0098

Fax: 651-266-2177

If you prefer to have an application mailed to you, please call 651-266-2171.

To volunteer your time - If you wish to volunteer your time, please fill out this form:
Volunteer Application (pdf)

To be paid for your time - If you wish to be paid for your time, please fill out the first three pages of this form, and include a copy of an acceptable identification document (listed on the fourth page):
Paid Application (pdf)

Student Election Judge - High school students can be election judges 
Student Judge Information (pdf)

If you are unable to print these documents, email electionjudge@co.ramsey.mn.us or call 651-266-2171.