Elections & Voting

Below are links to direct candidates to the procedures, locations, and timelines for filing for office.

Historical Election Results

Election Judge Information

What is an Election Judge?

Election judges (poll workers) are paid officials who staff local polling places, carry out election procedures, and make sure that the rights of voters are protected. Serving as an election judge is a chance to participate in the election process and is a great service to the community.

Requirements, Wages, and Time Off from Work

• You must be eligible to vote in Minnesota and be able to read, write, and speak English. 
• You must complete an election judge training course (at least two hours). 
• Election judges can choose to volunteer or be paid. Wages vary by city and township.
• Employers are required to give employees time off to work as an election judge.

What is an Absentee Ballot Board Election Judge?

After your absentee ballot is received at the elections office, it is reviewed by an absentee ballot board. This board checks that the signature envelope was filled out correctly. Each envelope is reviewed by at least two members of the board.

How does the ballot board decide if a ballot is accepted?

They look at the following criteria on the signature envelope:

• Ensure the name and address match what was on the absentee application
• Ensure the ID matches what was on the absentee application
• Ensure the voter has signed the envelope
• Ensure a witness has completed the witness portion

The board will also:

• Ensure the voter is registered, or has included a properly completed voter registration application
• Ensure the voter has not already voted in the election

What is the time commitment?

Absentee Ballot Board Election Judges need to commit to a flexible daytime schedule for the entire absentee period, which runs for 46 days prior to every election.  Weekly commitment could vary from 7.5 to 37.5 hours depending on volume.

Student Election Judge Trainees

Junior and senior high school students can work as election judge trainees. The student must meet the following requirements:

• Ages 16 or 17.
• U.S. citizen in good academic standing at a Minnesota high school (or home schooled).
• Obtain school and parental permission.
• Serve in the county where they reside.
• Trainees are paid at least two-thirds of the minimum wage.

Trainees do not have to serve the entire day and cannot work past 10 pm. Trainees are assigned the same duties as other judges, except for tasks requiring party affiliation. Trainees do not designate party affiliation. Trainees must attend and complete the same training as other judges.

Interested in serving as an election judge? 

Please complete the form linked below and St. Louis County will forward on to your local city or township clerk.

Election Judge Interest Form

Questions? 

Please contact the St. Louis County Elections Department at elections@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-726-2385.