Election Judges

Election Judge Sign-Up 

Email electionjudges@aacounty.org for more information!

The Election Judges who staff the polling places are a very important part of the electoral process. The Election Judges are responsible for administering the actual voting procedures in each precinct. Without these individuals it would be impossible to conduct an election.

 Qualifications for Election Judges

• Must be a registered voter in Maryland
• Must be able to speak, read and write the English language
• May not be a candidate, campaign manager or a treasurer for a candidate or political committee.

 There are four types of Election Judges:

1. Chief Judges. In each precinct, a Democratic and Republican Chief Judge is appointed. These individuals are the supervisory officials responsible for ensuring an orderly election. Their responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Picking-up and return of supplies needed to conduct the election
• Checking the polling place before election day
• Supervising the opening and closing of the polls
• Maintaining the peace
• Demonstrating the voting system
• Seeing that all procedures are followed

2. Book Judges. These individuals' responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in the opening and closing of the polls
• Verifying the voter's registration
• Issuing Voter Authority Cards

3. Voting Unit Judges. These individuals' responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in the opening and closing of the polls
• Accepting the Voter Authority Card
• Assisting voters in the use of the voting unit

4. Provisional Ballot Judge. These individuals' responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing the Provision Ballot forms and instructions
• Issuing Provisional Ballot to voter
• Any other duties as assigned by the Chief Judge

Compensation:

Chief Judge: $150.00
Book Judge: $125.00
Voting Unit Judge: $125.00
Provisional Ballot Judge: $125.00

A check for payment of your services will be mailed approximately four weeks following the General Election. If you attended a class prior to the General Election, payment for attending the class ($25.00) will be included in the check.

Each Judge, except the Provisional Ballot Judge, works as part of a team including one Democratic Judge and one Republican Judge. Under certain circumstances, a voter registered as "Unaffiliated" may work as a judge.

If you would like additional information concerning Election Judges, please call the Election Judge Recruiters at (410) 222-6600 or email electionjudges@aacounty.org

For more information, see the State Board of Elections Site.