An election judge plays a very important role in the electoral process by administering voting procedures in an assigned precinct or early voting center and ensuring a fair and accessible election for all eligible voters. Without election judges, there would be no elections!

Election judges receive paid training before the election and report approximately one hour before the polls open at 7:00 a.m. and serve until all duties are completed after the polls close at 8:00 p.m.

• You will be paid. Election judges can earn from $250 to $330 a day depending on the position you are hired for. You will also be paid $50 for completing the mandatory training, $20 for setting up on the Monday before Election Day, and $100 as a bonus for each day worked if you are a returning election judge. The amount of money you will be paid varies by county.
• You will have helped other voters exercise their right to vote.
• You will have an increased appreciation for the democratic process.
• If you're in high school or college, hours worked can count as service hours.

Under Maryland law, you can serve as an election judge if you are:

• Age 16 or older
• Are a registered voter in Maryland
• 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
• Can speak, read, and write English

NOTE: Some positions require election judges to be able to lift boxes and other items weighing 10 to 25 lbs.

Bilingual election judges are also needed.

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 OR
• Chairman, campaign manager or treasurer for a political or candidate committee

Under a State law, State of Maryland employees who are scheduled to work on Election Day are entitled to use administrative leave to serve as an election judge and keep the compensation received for service as an election judge. Note: Only State employees scheduled to work on Election Day are entitled to use administrative leave.

Carroll County Employees:
The County Commissioners have approved administrative leave to employees who are scheduled to work on Election Day and will be serving as an election judge.

If you are a State or Carroll County employee and are interested in serving as an election judge, please follow your normal procedures for requesting leave and contact the office to sign up as an election judge. The County Boards of Elections have the necessary paperwork to assist you in using administrative leave.

Click here to fill out the online form.

Or

Print the Judge Application and return to our office by mail, email or fax.