Apply to be a Paid Election Judge

HOW TO BECOME AN ELECTION JUDGE

The Election Judges who operate the polling place are a very important part of the electoral process. These persons are the only contacts the Election Office has with the public during voting hours. Without these individuals, it would be impossible to conduct an election.

All Election Judges must make sure that qualified voters who are properly registered are able to cast their vote in a trouble-free environment. Therefore, the Election Judge must be reliable and courteous, present a neat appearance, be able to follow procedures exactly, and above all, possess good judgment.

OPEN THE JUDGE APPLICATION FORM HERE

QUALIFICATIONS

To be an election judge, you must be:

  • 16 years old or older*
  • A registered voter in the State of Maryland;
  • Able to speak, read, and write English
  • Physically and mentally able to work at least a 15-hour day
  • Willing to work outside your home precinct
  • Able to sit and/or stand for an extended period of time

*If you are 16 years old, you can serve if you demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Allegany County Board of Elections, that you meet the requirements for an election judge and at least one parent or guardian gives permission.

Please note that some positions require election judges to be able to lift boxes and other items weighing 10 to 25 pounds.

DISQUALIFIERS

Additionally, you cannot be an election judge and a:

  • Candidate or currently hold a public or political office, including State and county political party central committees
  • Chairman, campaign manager or treasurer for a political or candidate committee

No experience is required, and the Allegany County Board of Elections will provide comprehensive mandatory training. Knowledge of computers is preferred but not necessary.

VOTER REGISTRATION VOLUNTEER

Any citizen may become an official Voter Registration Volunteer by attending an instruction class. Following the certification class, a certificate will be issued. Once certified each volunteer is authorized to register voters. Volunteers must re-certify every two years thereafter. Volunteers will be issued 50 voter registration forms at a time. Classes are by appointment only.