Become a Election Judge

• 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 check in voters using electronic pollbooks and assist with ballot scanning. 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. 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.

Specialized in helping voters whose eligibility isn't immediately clear (e.g., they aren't on the precinct list or have moved). (Nowadays list doesn’t sound right).  Primary focus on processing provisional applications and ensuring voters receive 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 perform other duties as assigned to keep the polling place running smoothly. 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.

Specifically handles new voter registrations that occur on the day of the election. are the first point of contact for voters, primarily responsible for checking in registered individuals and processing new voter registrations using the pollbooks. Your role involves verifying voter information, 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 in all positions and dispatched on election morning to any precinct that needs extra help. The essential "rapid response" team standing by to fill any 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 deploy to any polling place within the county as assigned. Because you may be placed into any election official role, your specific duties will vary, but you must 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 assignment. Please note that compensation is contingent upon staying at your staging area and accepting any assignment given; refusing a placement or failing to report will result in a loss of pay for the day.

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 11:00 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: $250.00
• Reserve Judge: $300.00
• Training Stipend: $50.00 (contingent on working Election Day)
• Monday Night Setup: $25.00