The City employs election judges for primary and general elections. Election judges help the voting process run smoothly on Election Day. They greet voters and verify they are in the correct polling place, register voters, obtain signatures, give out ballots, and demonstrate how to use the voting machines, set up and close polling locations, and assist voters as needed. The City also seeks individuals who are willing to serve as head election judges. Head election judges help lead polling locations on election day and must take some additional training.
Election judges are paid $12 per hour. Head Judges are paid $15 per hour.To serve as an election judge you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- At least 18 years old
- A resident of Minnesota
- Able to read, write, and speak English
- Not have had your voting rights revoked
- Be able to remain impartial and nonpartisan
- Attend a required two-hour paid training session
The City is now accepting applications for election judges for the 2026 primary and general elections. To apply, please click on the link below which will take you to an application. Complete the application, and the City will contact you regarding next steps.
Student Election Judges
High school students, including home-schooled students that are 16 and 17 years of age can be trainee election judges. Students who are 18 years of age or older can serve as regular election judges. Student Election Judges are paid $12 per hour. To serve as trainee election judges students must: be a United States citizen; be at least 16 years of age; serve in the county where they reside or adjoining county; be in good academic standing; and have permission from their school and parents.
Trainee election judges can serve for all elections. They serve without party affiliation and must be paid. They cannot serve past 10 p.m. Trainee election judges, like other election judges, are not required to serve the entire day.