Election Judge Application for 2026 Gubernatorial Election Cycle
The Anne Arundel County Board of Elections is now accepting applications for Election Judges to staff the Anne Arundel
County polling places for the 2026 Gubernatorial Election. Election Judges are being recruited to work the June 23, 2026
Primary Election and the November 03, 2026 General Election.
Election Judge Applications
All election judges (New and Returning) must complete one of the following and submit.
- Election Judge 2026 Online Application (for applicants who want to apply online)
- Election Judge 2026 Fillable Application
Special Notice
All Election Judges are now required to have a valid email address and cell phone number. Training class schedules will be sent via email and text messages. This information will not be shared with third parties.
In Anne Arundel County, an election judge is a registered voter appointed by the local Board of Elections to maintain the integrity of the voting process. They are considered temporary constitutional officers who must take a sworn oath to uphold the laws of Maryland and the United States.
Specific Roles in Anne Arundel County
Depending on your assignment, your specific "definition" or duties may vary:
Chief Judges supervise the Polling locations, where some responsibilities include:
- Pre-Election Prep: Pick up supplies from the Board of Elections and coordinate the polling room setup the day before the election.
- Operational Oversight: Supervise all voting equipment (pollbooks, scanners, and BMDs) and manage a team of election judges throughout the day.
- Voter Support: Assist voters with issues, handle administrative forms, and maintain a welcoming, secure environment.
- Key Requirements: Must complete all training, have a reliable vehicle, and be able to stand or sit for long periods.
- Final Wrap-up: Oversee the closing of the polls and personally return all supplies to the Board of Elections on election night.
The most common role; they assist voters on the voting equipment within the polling location. Your role begins with the Monday night setup and continues on Election Day specifically assisting voters with the Ballot Marking Device and the DS200 Scanner. You will be responsible for managing lines, and providing general instructions on how to properly use the machines, and other duties as assigned by the Chief Judge. This position requires completing all mandatory training, maintaining a friendly and welcoming demeanor, and having the physical stamina to stand for extended periods while following precise procedural instructions. The position concludes with assisting in the closing of the polls.
Judges specialize in helping voters whose eligibility isn't immediately clear (e.g., they aren't on the precinct list or have moved). Their primary focus is processing provisional applications and ensuring voters complete the correct materials. Assist with the Monday night polling place setup and the official opening procedures on Election morning. Follow directions from Chief Judges and performs other duties as assigned to keep the polling place running smoothly. They help with the final shutdown of the polls and the secure organization of election materials. Must complete all required training, have strong communication skills, and be able to sit or stand for the duration of the shift.
Pollbook/SDR Judges are trained to check-in registered voters and/or register. Your role involves verifying voter information, and checking identification for specific first-time voters. In addition to these technical tasks, you will assist with the physical opening and closing of the polls. To succeed, you must complete all required training, possess strong communication skills to welcome the public, and be capable of sitting or standing for long periods while following strict procedural instructions.
Trained for specific positions and dispatched on election morning to precincts that need extra help. This essential team stands by to fill vacancies that arise on or before Election Day. Your role requires reporting to a designated staging location at 5:15 a.m., where you must remain ready to receive your assignment, and be prepared to follow the instructions of the Board and the onsite Chief Judges. Success in this position depends on your flexibility, the completion of all required training, and having your own personal transportation to reach your final destination. Please note that compensation is contingent upon staying at your staging area and accepting the assignment given: Judges will not be compensated if they refuse to accept the job assignment or fail to report for duty.
Under Maryland State Law (which Anne Arundel County follows), an election judge has the legal authority to:
- Enforce the "No Electioneering" zone: They ensure no political campaigning happens within 100 feet of the polling place entrance.
- Protect Privacy: They are legally bound to ensure every voter can cast their ballot in private.
To serve as an election judge in Anne Arundel County, you must:
- Be a registered voter in the State of Maryland.
- Be at least 16 years old (with parental permission if under 18).
- Be able to speak, read, and write English.
- Not be a candidate or hold a public or political office.
- Be able to work a 15-hour day (typically 5:45 AM to 9:00 PM).
For the 2026 Gubernatorial Election cycle, Anne Arundel County has set the following flat pay rates:
- Chief Judge: $350.00
- Voting Operations / Provisional Judge / Pollbook/SDR: $250.00
- Reserve Judge: $300.00
- Training Stipend: $50.00 (contingent on working Election Day)
- Monday Night Setup: $25.00