Serve as an Election Judge

NEW JUDGES

Thank you for interest! If you would like to be entered into our database for election opportunities in 2022, please email Julie a completed Election Judge Application.  We are unable to assign every person who applies to serve. Appointments are made based on need, expected turnout, and our ability to achieve party balance at each polling place, as required by state law, and the worker's ability to successfully meet required qualifications and complete all training.

All applications we receive are entered into our database and are retained for recruitment efforts for both the upcoming and future elections. If at any time you want to be removed from our database, contact us at 763.923.7109.

Qualifications

  • Eligible to vote in Minnesota
  • Ability to read, write and speak English
  • Ability to comply with all current election laws, regulations and procedures
  • Ability to complete mandatory (paid) training sessions (two to five hours depending on assigned position)
  • Cannot be a spouse, parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, sibling or stepsibling of any current election worker serving in the same precinct or of any candidate in that election
  • Cannot live, either permanently or temporarily, with any candidate on the ballot at that election
  • Cannot be a candidate in the election

Desired qualifications

  • Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with all voters
  • Strong understanding of and commitment to nonpartisanship
  • Comfort assisting and serving diverse populations
  • Language skills to assist non-English speaking voters
  • Demonstrate attention to detail
  • Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and professionally
  • Comfortable using technology
  • Flexibility on precinct assignment
  • Ability to work long hours on Election Day
  • Preference is given to Champlin residents and those committed to working full-day shifts

Training

All election workers are required to attend training sessions either online or in person that cover the equipment you will use on Election Day, the various duties you may be asked to perform and all of the associated election laws and requirements that pertain to your job as an election worker. This training helps ensure that you understand what will be required of you on Election Day and that you are prepared to provide outstanding service to the voters in your precinct. You will be paid for your attendance at training.

We understand that circumstances and schedules can change, and every effort will be made to find suitable alternatives for you to complete training. However, please note that if you fail to complete any portion of the required training, you will not be able to work on Election Day.

Time off from work to serve

State law allows for time off from work to serve as an election worker – without loss of wages (Minnesota Statute 204B.195).

To qualify for time off, you must provide your employer with at least 20 days’ written notice, the pay rate you will receive to serve as an election worker and the hours you will serve. Once you are selected to be an election worker, you can email Julie, and be provided certification detailing your hourly pay and hours you will serve.

Your employer may:

  • Reduce your salary or wages by the amount you are paid as an election worker during the time you are away from work.
  • Restrict the number of its employees serving as election workers to no more than 20 percent from a single work site.

You may voluntarily take a vacation day to receive full pay from your employer and election worker pay as extra income. However, an employer cannot force you to take vacation or any other form of paid leave.

Student election workers

The City of Champlin provides high school students the opportunity to serve as student election workers alongside election workers. Serving as a student election worker is a great way to serve your community and gain valuable experience while earning money.