Serve as an Election Judge

ELECTION JUDGES
are essential to our democracy. They are officials that serve the voters in the 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 election process and is an important service to our community.

DUTIES OF ELECTION JUDGES:
* Set up the polling place
* Operate voting equipment
* Direct voters to the correct line
* Register individuals to vote
* Ensure that all qualified voters are permitted to vote
* Demonstrate how to vote
* Distribute ballots to voters
* Assist voters
* Close the polling place
* Determine the results after the polls close
* Certify the polling place results

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION TO BE AN ELECTION JUDGE:
* Eligible to vote in MN
* Able to read, write, and speak English
* Cannot be a spouse, parent, child, or sibling of any election judge serving in the same precinct
* Cannot be a candidate or the spouse, parent, child or sibling of any candidate on the ballot in that precinct
* Must attend training

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS OF AN ELECTION JUDGE:
* Communicate clearly with voters
* Comfortable with assisting and serving a diverse population
* Remain impartial and not exert influence over voters
* Physical and emotional stamina
* attention to detail
* Basic math skill
* Fluency in a second language (not required)

ELECTION JUDGE PAY:
* The wage is set by the local government conducting the election. At least minimum wage is required

TIME OFF FROM EMPLOYMENT:
* You can take time off from work to be an election judge without penalty (M.S. 204B.195)
* You will be provided a from that shows the hours you will work and the hourly pay rate
* Give your employer at least 20 days written notice, attaching the provided hours/pay rate form.
* Your employer can reduce your salary/wages by the amount you are paid for being a judge during the hours you are away from work
* Your employer can restrict the number of persons serving as an election judge to no more than 20 percent of employees at a single work site.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY:
* College students at least 18 years of age can serve as regular election judges.
* High school students aged 16 or older can be trainee election judges.
* Citizens age 16 or older
* Able to read, write and speak English
* Good academic standing in high school or home school
* Haver permission of school and parents
* Special trainee election judge application form available at City Hall or www.evelethmn.com
* Students will be paid

SERVING AS AN ELECTION JUDGE:
* Appointments are made by the City Council
All appointments are made at least 25 days before an election. Most Election Judges are
selected shortly after July 1st.
* If appointed, you must attend training provided by your municipal clerk or county auditor in
July, Augus, September, or October.
* You will be assigned to work with several other elction judges in a polling place
* Election judges may be asked to serve in the precinct where they live or elsewhere in the city.
* Serve on Primary Day, September 9, 2008, and General Election Day, November 4, 2008

ARE YOU READY TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY?
* Complete an application. Available at www.evelethmn.com or at Eveleth City Hall
or
* Call Eveleth City Hall (218-744-7444) to request an application be mailed to you

If appointed, you must attend training conducted in July, August, or September. You will be paid for training time.