Become an Election Judge
Election judges help administer elections and ensure voting runs smoothly. Many judges are needed for each election. Election judges are appointed by the county as well as cites, townships and school districts.
Election judges open and close polling places on Election Day, assist voters and verify voter eligibility. Some election judges also work on Absentee Ballot Boards, where they help process absentee ballots before Election Day.
Election judges are paid for their work. Pay rates are set by the appointing organization.
Apply to be an election judge
Types of election judge roles in Dakota County:
Dakota County employs a team of temporary election staff for several weeks leading up to an election at locations throughout the county. Temporary elections staff assist with a variety of tasks. They include:
- Issue absentee ballots to voters at county service centers
- Process returned absentee ballots
- Prepare and assemble election materials
- Answer voter questions about elections
- Enter data into the statewide voter registration system
- Perform other assigned election-related tasks
Absentee Ballot Board judges help review and process absentee ballots. They:
- Review returned absentee ballots for completeness
- Use the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS ) to verify voter registration and identification requirements
- Review witness eligibility
- Process ballots
- Perform other assigned duties
The Absentee Ballot Board meet on weekdays at the Dakota County Administration Center in Hastings. Meeting schedules and hours depend on the number of ballots received.
Election Day judges are appointed and paid by the city, township or school district conducting the election.
You can apply to become an election judge at the following locations:
- City & Township Halls
- School District Offices (For school district elections only)
For questions about serving as an Election Day judge, contact your city or townshop elections office.
Election judge requirements
To serve as an election judge, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Minnesota resident for at least 20 days
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be able to read, write, and speak English
- Be eligible to vote in Minnesota
- Be appointed by a municipal clerk
- Attend required training
You cannot serve as an election judge if you are:
- Related to another election judge serving in the same precinct
- A candidate in the election you are serving
- The spouse, parent, child, sibling or household member of a candidate on the ballot
Election judge training
2026 Dakota County Election Judge Training- 2026 Dakota County Head Judge Training
- Election Judge Oath
- Precinct List of Persons Vouching
- Oath of Challenge to Voters Eligibility
- Certificate of Registered Voter
- Minnesota HAVA Elections Complaint Form
- Minnesota State Election Law Complaint Form
- Election Day Voter Registration Application with Voucher Form
- Ballot Tracking Form
- Certificate of Preliminary and Public Accuracy Test
- Courier Chain of Custody Log
- Election Day Equipment Chain of Custody Form/Seal Log
- ExpressVote Quick Start Guide
- Incident Log
- Precinct Election Judge Oath
- Precinct Summary Statement
- Write-in Tally Form
- Poll Pad Quick Start Guide
- Tabulator Quick Start Guide
Additional information
For more ways to be involved in elections, visit mnvotes.org.