Frequently Asked Questions

Election Judge Requirements

To serve as an Election Judge, you must be:

• At least 18 years of age.
• A Minnesota resident for at least 20 days.
• A citizen of the United States (identification may be required).
• Able to read, write, and speak the English language.
• Eligible to vote in Minnesota.
• Appointed by the City Clerk.
• Able to attend biennial training sessions.

You cannot be:

• Related to another Election Judge in the same precinct; a relative is defined as a spouse, parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, sibling, or stepsibling.
• A candidate serving in a precinct where they are on the ballot.
• Anyone who temporarily or permanently lives in the same house as a candidate (cannot serve in the precinct where the candidate is on the ballot).

All Election Judges should be comfortable with using an iPad, be able to hear in large crowds, have good finger dexterity for distributing ballots, and have excellent customer service skills.

Yes, Election Judges are paid based on position:

Election Judges earn $13.50 per hour for training and work hours.

Head Judges earn $15.00 per hour for training and work hours.

Minnesota Statute 204B.195 allows individuals to take time off from work, without penalty or loss of wages, to serve as Election Judges on Election Day. A 20-day written notice requesting to be absent from work for this purpose must be submitted to the employer. The request must be accompanied by a certification from the City Clerk indicating the days and hours the employee will serve as an Election Judge. The employer may reduce the salary of the employee by the amount received for working as an Election Judge for hours the employee would normally work. State Statute makes this decision optional for the employer.

Students ages 16 to 17 years old may serve as Student Trainee Judges with approval from their parents and school.

Students at least 18 years of age may serve as Election Judges.

All judges are paid for training and time worked.

Depending on the needs of each election, appointments are recommended by the City Clerk and approved by the City Council.

You must complete an Election Judge training course (minimum two hours) before you may serve as an Election Judge. Class is held either in person or online, and your certification is valid for two years.

An additional hour of training is required for Head Judges and Health Care Facility Judges.

Complete the Election Judge Sign-up Form (PDF) and return it to the City of Farmington, 430 Third Street, Farmington, Minnesota 55024, or email it to the City Clerk at the email address below.

We look forward to you joining our fun team of judges at the City of Farmington!

Contact with questions:
Shirley Buecksler
City Clerk
651-280-6803
Email Shirley Buecksler