Become and 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 Election Day, General Election Day, or both. Some election judges are assigned to work in the Elections Office before or after the elections. There are 104 polling locations in St. Paul. Polling places are typically located in schools, libraries, recreation centers, or churches.
Duties of an Election Judge
Check in registered voters
Register new voters
Demonstrate how to use voting equipment
Assist elderly and disabled voters, if requested
Open and close the polling place
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 when 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 and on the Saturday before the election.
Days and Hours of Work
Election judges work either the primary election or the general election, or both. Judges are asked to work from 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. for 2008.
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:
Party Balance – State law requires a balance among the election judges from different political parties in each polling place..
Number of Vacancies – The number of vacancies in each precinct varies anywhere from 4 to 12 judges based primarily on the number of registered voters in the precinct.
Working Area – The Election Department tries to assign election judges as close to their home precinct as possible.
Assignment letters for the primary election are mailed in August. Assignment letters for the general election are mailed in October.
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 the forms to 651-266-2177
Call 651-266-2171 to have an application mailed to you.
To volunteer your time - If you wish to totally volunteer your time, please fill out the following TWO forms:
- Volunteer Form (pdf)
- Election Judge Application (pdf)
To be paid for your time - If you wish to be paid for your time, please fill out the following THREE forms and send a copy of an acceptable ID:
- Election Judge Application (pdf)
- I-9 Form (pdf)
- W-4 Form (pdf)
- List of Acceptable Documents (pdf)
Student Election Judge - High School Students can be election judges
If you are unable to print these documents, email electionjudge@co.ramsey.mn.us.
