GLEN BURNIE, MD – With the 2026 Primary Election approaching on Tuesday, June 23, the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections is issuing an urgent call for 692 Republican residents to serve as Election Judges in Anne Arundel County. This recruitment drive aims to ensure that every polling place in the county meets the legal requirements for bipartisan representation, safeguarding the integrity and transparency of our local democratic process.
Election Judges are the frontline defenders of the voting process. They are responsible for checking in voters, assisting with voting equipment, and ensuring that election laws are followed strictly and fairly.
“Maintaining a fair election requires citizens from all backgrounds and parties to step up and participate,” said Mr. Garreis. “With 692 vacancies specifically for Republican judges, we are looking for dedicated individuals who want to ensure our elections are conducted with the highest level of oversight and accuracy.”
Judge Vacancies by Polling Place and Position
Why Serve?
- Protect the Process: Ensure that election laws are followed and that the count is transparent.
- Support Your Community: Help your neighbors exercise their right to vote in a secure environment.
- Earn While You Serve: Election Judges are compensated for their time, including mandatory training sessions. You can earn up to $375 for serving as an Election Judge.
Requirements & Compensation
To qualify, applicants must be:
- A registered voter in the State of Maryland.
- At least 16 years of age (with parental permission).
- Able to speak, read, and write English.
- Available to work a full 15-hour shift on Election Day.
Compensation for the 2026 cycle includes:
- $250 for Chief Judges.
- $175 for Voting Operation and Provisional Judges.
- $50 for completing up to two mandatory training classes
- $25 for Election Setup the Monday before Election Day
Election Judges are paid upon completion of Election Day service.
Bipartisan Balance Required by Law
Under Maryland law, every polling place must be staffed by a balanced ratio of Democratic and Republican judges to ensure fair oversight. Currently, Anne Arundel County has a surplus of Democratic and Unaffiliated applicants, but 692 Republican positions remain vacant. To ensure all 142 polling places are fully staffed for the June 23rd Primary, the Board will begin filling these Republican vacancies with applicants from other parties starting May 23rd.
“We want to ensure every precinct has the bipartisan oversight the law intends,” said Mr. Garreis. “But we can only do that if Republican residents step forward before the May 23rd assignment deadline.”
How to Apply
Interested individuals are encouraged to apply immediately, as positions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications can be submitted through the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections website at aacounty.org/elections/election-judge or by emailing electionjudges@aacounty.org.
For more information, please contact the Election Judge Recruiting Department at (410) 222-0494.