Election Judges

2024 Election Season

As we prepare for the 2024 election season, the City of Orono offers paid work opportunities.  Election Judges are needed; please complete the online application, if you are interested in working during the upcoming election season. 

2024 Election Dates

  • Presidential Primary Election - March 5th
  • Special Election date for County Commissioner 
                     Primary - April 30th (if necessary)
                     General - May 14th
  • Primary Election - August 13th
  • General Election - November 5th  

Contact the City Clerk in the Administration Department for more information.

Early Voting

City Hall is the early voting location for all Orono residents. Election Judges are needed for the entire early voting time period of 46 days before each election. Voting hours of early voting follow City Hall business hours with exception of extended and weekend hours as Election Day nears.

Election Judge Duties

Election judges are essential to our democracy.  Election judges are officials that staff local polling places, administer election procedures and ensure that the rights of voters are protected on Election Day.

Duties of an Election Judge

  • Assist voters
  • Certify the polling place results
  • Close down polling place following voting
  • Demonstrate how to vote
  • Determine results after polls close
  • Direct voters to the correct line
  • Distribute ballots to voters
  • Ensure all qualified voters are permitted to vote
  • Operate voting equipment
  • Register individuals to vote
  • Set up the polling place

Required Qualifications to be an Election Judge

To be an election judge you must meet all of the following qualifications:

  • You must be eligible to vote in Minnesota.
  • You must be able to read, write, and speak English.
  • You cannot be a spouse, parent, child, or sibling of any election judge serving in the same precinct.
  • You cannot be a candidate or the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of any candidate on the ballot in that precinct.

Student Eligibility

  • College students at least 18 years old may serve as an election judge.
  • High school students 16 years and older may serve as trainee election judges.

Time Off From Employment to Serve as An Election Judge

You may take time off from work to be an election judge.

  • You must give your employer at least 20 days written notice, and you must attach the hour/pay rate form that you will receive from the township board or city council that appoints you to the notice.
  • Your employer may reduce your salary / wages by the amount you are paid as an election judge during the time you are away from work.
  • Your employer may restrict the number of its employees serving as election judges to no more than 20 percent at a single work site.

More Information

Learn more about becoming an election judge from the Minnesota Secretary of State.