Election judges are becoming a rare find

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, April 16, 2002

It's a variation of an old theme.

Yes, Uncle Sam still needs volunteers and so does Minnesota.

In this case, the call is for citizens not to bear arms, but to assist in the political process as an election judge.

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In part, because of the changes brought by a massive redistricting effort, as well as the prominence of four political parties,

a recruiting drive is underway for election judges.

Virginia Janson, a deputy auditor in the Mower County Auditor's office, said election judges fill an important role.

"Election judges are the people responsible for administering election procedures in the voting place on Election day," Janson said.

The judges work while polls are open and in some places, they can work half-Election Day shifts.

They are responsible for all election materials, ensuring that only qualified

voters cast ballots, that voting is kept secret, to help voters requiring assistance, maintaining order at the polling place, tallying the votes when the polls are closed and certifying the results, according to Janson.

The judges are paid and allowed to take time off work to perform the duties.

According to Janson, the minimum age is 18 although teens aged 16 and 17 can be election judge trainees in anticipation of full-fledged responsibilities when they reach 18,

Each political party submits lists of potential election judges, who are appointed by the appropriate governing body, i.e. a township board, city council, etc…

The judges receive training for their roles in the political process on Election day.

This year, the Green, Independent, Democratic-Farmer-Labor and Republican political parties are recruiting election judges to ensure impartiality at the polls.

The Primary Day election is September 10 and the General Election is November 5.

For more information about becoming an election judge or trainee, call Janson at 437-9535.

Call Lee Bonorden at 434-2232 or e-mail him at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com