Election Judge

Election Judge Position

Election judges are essential to the democratic process. Under the direction of the City Clerk and Head Judge, election judges administer election procedures at the polling place on Election Day to ensure voting is conducted fairly, accurately, and in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Serving as an election judge is an opportunity to support the community and uphold the integrity of elections.

Positions are open until filled. To meet Minnesota's political party balance requirement, we are currently ONLY seeking Republicans (GOP)-affiliated election judges.

Essential Functions

Election judges may be assigned to a variety of duties, including but not limited to:

• Preparing the polling place before voting begins and closing the polling place at the end of the day
• Checking in voters and verifying voter eligibility
• Issuing ballots and assisting voters as permitted by law
• Operating and monitoring voting equipment
• Maintaining the security of ballots, voting equipment, and election supplies
• Completing required election documentation accurately and completely
• Assisting voters courteously and impartially, including voters with disabilities or limited English proficiency
• Reporting equipment malfunctions, irregularities, or suspicious activity to the Head Judge immediately
• Following all election laws, procedures, and instructions provided during training

Work Schedule

Election judges must be available to work on the following 2026 election days:

• Tuesday, August 11, 2026 Statewide Primary Election
• Tuesday, November 3, 2026 General Election

Preferred shift (most needed):

• 6:00 a.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m.

Partial shifts may be available but are not guaranteed:

• 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• 2:00 p.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m.

Qualifications

Minnesota State Requirements

Applicants must meet all Minnesota statutory requirements, including:

• At least 18 years of age
• United States citizen
• Minnesota resident for at least 20 days prior to the election
• Able to read, write, and speak English
• Completion of mandatory paid training
• Not the spouse, parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, sibling, or step-sibling of another election judge serving in the same precinct or of any candidate on the ballot
• Not residing with any candidate on the ballot or with another election judge serving in the same precinct

City of Edina Requirements

In addition to state requirements, applicants must:

• Communicate clearly and professionally
• Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy
• Work cooperatively as a member of a team and follow directions
• Enjoy serving a diverse community
• Navigate computer systems, follow on-screen instructions, and troubleshoot basic technical issues
• Be available to work long hours on Election Day

Supplemental Information

Political Party Balance Requirement

Minnesota law requires that election judges in each precinct be balanced between the major political parties. At this time, there is a greater need for election judges affiliated with the Republican Party.

Head Judge Opportunities

Head Judges are responsible for supervising election judges and managing polling place operations. Applicants may indicate interest in serving as a Head Judge; additional training and experience may be required.

Pollbook Specialist Opportunities

Poll Book Specialists are election judges with advanced training who are responsible for operating and managing the electronic poll books at a polling place. This role is critical to ensuring accurate voter check-in, proper ballot issuance, and smooth Election Day operations. Poll Book Specialists remain assigned to the poll books for their entire shift and do not rotate to other duties.

Training

Selected applicants must attend mandatory paid training prior to Election Day. Training covers election laws, procedures, roles, and responsibilities.

Veterans' Preference

Applicants who have received an honorable discharge or separation after serving more than 180 consecutive days in the military (other than for training) may be eligible for veterans' preference in accordance with Minnesota Statute 43A.11.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Edina is an Affirmative Action Employer. It is the City's policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local commission. Selection is based on merit.