Maryland elections officials call for voters to sign up as election judges

MARYLAND – As campaigns heat up heading into the 2024 General Election, state officials are calling on voters to volunteer at the polls.

Election judges are important to the democratic process, says Wicomico County Board of Elections director Dionne Church.

“We need the community to be involved in the process so that it remains nonpartisan at all times, and so that they can be a part of the democratic process, to help our community be a better place at least by having their voice [heard],” Church said.

On election day, judges will report about an hour before polls open, and will serve until all duties are complete after polls close. Election judges are paid for their work.

To become an election judge, you must be a registered voter, physically and mentally able to work at least a 15-hour day, able to sit or stand for extended periods, and proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English. Election judges must also undergo official training.

The State of Maryland also recently launched its election day page program for 14- and 15-year-olds. Election day pages must also undergo official training ahead of election day, and take and subscribe to a written oath.

Eligible election day pages include students enrolled in public, private, independent, or religious schools or home-schooled. And, they must be able to work one full four-hour shift on election day, and be able to speak, read, and write in English proficiently.

To apply to be an election judge, click here. To learn more about becoming an election day page, click here.