How to qualify to be an election judge
• A person must be an eligible voter.
• Be at least 18-years-old.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Cannot be a convicted felon without them having their rights restore.
• Must be illiterate in English.
• Cannot be immediately related to a candidate in a party.
• Must declare their political party affiliation to make sure each polling site has a balance of judges in all parties.
• Must be trained and have two hours of training every two years. Head judges require an additional hour of training.
Election judge Arlene Fitzpatrick recently tested a blank pre-marked ballot on the AutoMark machine, while Don and Carol Crust, also election judges, watched at the courthouse in Brainerd. The Crow Wing County Auditor's Office was testing the voting equipment in early October to make sure everything was working. The county, along with the election judges, will test the machines again the week before elections.
Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey
Other facts
• Precincts need at least four judges at each site and depending on size and voter-turn-out there could be up to eight judges needed at a site.
• Average age of election judges in Minnesota is 72.
• Election judges are paid anywhere from $7-$12 an hour, with head judges could see up to $15.
(Source: Crow Wing County Auditor Deborah Erickson)