A Judge oversees the legal process in court cases. Interprets law, advises jurors during trials, writes opinions and decisions, and gives verdicts in cases decided without a jury. May decide on a sentence for the defendant in a criminal case, or liability of a defendant in a civil case; may facilitate negotiations between parties in a dispute. Works in a county, state or federal court system.
Performs basic work serving as a certified election judge serving on the absentee and mail ballot board during state and federal elections.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
During the November 3, 2026 elections assist with: Reviews absentee and mail ballots for completion of statutorily required fields on returned ballots and accepts or rejects returned absentee and mail ballots based on these statutory requirements. Reconciles number ballots by jurisdiction after ballot board meetings. Provides curbside voting during absentee voting period. Alphabetizes absentee and mail ballot materials. Prepares the accepted ballots for tabulation and tabulates the ballots. Completes all required summary statement data.
OTHER ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Service Period:
Candidates must commit to working during the following date ranges: September 1 - November 13, 2026
Hours & Scheduling:
Weekly hours vary from 2 to 32 hours per week (typically 1-3 days per week) depending on voter turnout and workload. Shifts are generally scheduled on weekday afternoons (Monday-Friday), with longer evening hours required on designated election dates.
Peak Availability Window:
Increased hours or additional shifts may be scheduled as needed during the final 18 days leading up to Election Day (mid-October through November 3) to support direct early balloting and extended statutory voting hours.
Mandatory Training:
Must attend required election judge certification and training sessions prior to service.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or GED Must be registered to vote in Minnesota, or eligible to register to vote in Minnesota Selected candidate will be required to complete training to become a certified election judge
IMPORTANT APPLICANT INFORMATION
All applicants must complete the Election Judge Interest Form, required by the Minnesota Secretary of State. We recommend downloading the Election Judge Interest form first, before deciding which submission option works best for you: Complete the application by hitting "Apply" and upload the completed Interest Form when prompted for a resume, or; Skip the application and email the completed Interest Form directly to anthony.olson@pinecountymn.gov, or; Visit the County Administrator's Office to fill out a form in person. If you apply through here, you don't need to fill out every section — we primarily need your contact information for communication purposes.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work frequently standing, walking, sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions and occasionally requires pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires expose to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires working in high, precarious places and exposure to fumes or airborne particles; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Basic knowledge of County and department policies, practices and procedures; basic knowledge of election procedures; general ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; general knowledge of website and internet usage; ability to work a flexible schedule.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or GED and minimal experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience and must be willing to receive election judge training to be a certified election judge and disclose political party affiliation as private data.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be registered to vote in Minnesota or have the ability to be registered to vote in Minnesota. This is a part-time temporary position. Benefits are limited. Position is not eligible for health, dental, or vision insurance. PERA retirement enrollment is subject to eligibility thresholds based on hours and earnings.
Pine County Personnel System Classification :
Election Judge Pay Grade:
Grade 1; $18.46/hr - $23.97/hr
DOQ Rating Method:
Election Judges are appointed in accordance with Minn. Stat. §204B.21, which requires balanced party representation on each precinct's election board.
Closing Date:
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
An Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer
