Election judges are paid officials who staff polling places, carry out election procedures and help guarantee the rights of voters are protected. They are vital to efficient and honest elections. Serving as an election judge is an opportunity to give something back to the community. Come work with us!
Fergus Falls has four polling locations staffed by citizens who are appointed as election judges.
If you are interested in learning more, please call 218-332-5404
Apply to Be an Election Judge
Serving as an election judge is a chance to learn about elections, and is a great service to the community — apply to be an election judge.
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.
- Employers are required to give employees time off to work as an election judge.
Student Trainee Judges
- 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 or in an adjacent county
- 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.
Employers and Election Judge Pay
State law allows you to receive time off from work to be an election judge. Your employer can reduce your salary or wages by the amount you are paid for being a judge during the hours you are away from work.
You can voluntarily take a vacation day to be fully paid by your employer and receive the judge salary you earn as extra income. An employer cannot force you to take vacation.
