Election Judges-City of Otsego

Head Judge Responsibilities

Head Judges serve as supervisors of the polling place, working in partnership with another Head Judge. In addition to supervisory duties, they perform all standard election judge responsibilities.

Election Judge Responsibilities

Election Judges play a vital role in ensuring fair and efficient elections. They help administer election procedures at polling places and safeguard voters' rights on Election Day.

General Duties

Election Judges are responsible for the following tasks:

  • Open and close the polling place

  • Set up and secure election materials

  • Verify voter eligibility and prevent double voting

  • Distribute ballots to voters

  • Maintain order at the polling site

  • Register new voters on-site

  • Assist voters who need help

  • Tabulate results once polls close

  • Certify and report precinct election results

Eligibility Requirements

To serve as an election judge, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old

  • Be a U.S. citizen and a Minnesota resident for at least 20 days

  • Be able to read, write, and speak English

  • State your political party preference (no more than half of the judges in a precinct can belong to the same major political party)

  • Not be a candidate in the election or related to any candidate on the ballot

  • Not be a close relative (spouse, parent, child, sibling) of another judge working in the same precinct

Training & Compensation

All appointed judges are required to attend a two-hour training session conducted by the Wright County Auditor's Office.

  • Election Judges: $16/hour

  • Head Judges: $18/hour

  • Election Specialist: $20/hour

Student Election Judge Program

High school students aged 16 or 17 can serve as student election judge trainees. It’s a hands-on opportunity to learn about the democratic process—and get paid!

Requirements:

  • Must be 16 or 17 on or before Election Day

  • U.S. citizen in good academic standing at a Minnesota high school or homeschooled

  • Written permission from a parent/guardian and school

  • Complete the same training as adult election judges

Note: Student judges cannot work past 10:00 p.m. and are not assigned duties that require political party affiliation.

Interested in Serving?

If you’re interested in becoming an election judge, please contact the Deputy Clerk for more information.

📄 Election Judge Application