HOW TO BECOME AN ELECTION JUDGE:
The Election Judges
who operate the polling places are a very important part of
the electoral process. Election Judges staff all of St. Mary's County's
polling places at both the Primary and General elections. In order to
serve as an Election Judge, the voter must meet the following
requirements:
-
Be a registered voter in St. Mary's County
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Be physically and mentally capable of working a
15-hour day
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Be able to read, write and speak English
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Not be a candidate nor currently hold public or
political party office (including municipal office or party central
committee)
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Not be a chairman, campaign manager nor treasurer for
a political or candidate committee
-
Be able to attend a training class prior to Election
Day. ALL ELECTION JUDGES MUST ATTEND.
There are three types
of Election Judges:
-
Chief Judges:
In each precinct, Democratic and Republican Chief Judges are
appointed. These individuals are the supervisory officials responsible
for insuring an orderly election. Their responsibilities include, but
are not limited to:
-
Picking up and returning the supplies needed to
conduct the election
-
Checking the polling place before Election Day
-
Supervising the opening and closing of the polls

-
Seeing that all procedures are followed
-
Check-In Judges:
These individuals' responsibilities include, but are not limited to
the following:
-
Assisting in the opening and closing of the polls
-
Verifying the Voter Authority Card and Signature
-
Voting Unit Judges:
These individuals' responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
-
Assisting in the opening and closing of the polls
-
Verifying the
Voter Authority Card and make sure the Voter has signed
-
Monitoring activity around the voting unit and booths
-
Programming the
ballots on the access cards for each voter
- Provisional Judges: These
individuals' responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assisting in the opening and closing of the
polls
- Assisting first time voters in Maryland
- Assist voters with completing the proper
paperwork for a provisional ballot
Each Judge works as
part of a team including one Democratic Judge and one Republican Judge.
Under certain circumstances, a voter registered as "Decline to
Affiliate" may work as a Judge.
Anyone requiring
additional information concerning Election Judges, please call the
Election Judge Recruiter at 301-475-7844 x1614.
Click here to
print out an application to become an Election Judge - PDF Form.
If you are interested, please complete the application and return it to
this office as soon as possible. You will be notified if a vacancy is
available.