Here comes the judge...

Reflections on being a first-time election judge in Minneapolis

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN

The mid-term election on Tue., Nov. 4 was the day I stepped into a new role and became an election judge. The title sounds a little intimidating, but the job is not. Anyone who is eligible to vote in Minnesota and is able to speak, read and write in English can be one. Like many judges I spoke with, I had thought about doing this every time I came to vote for the last several years, but never quite got around to it. I’m glad I finally did!

As an election judge, you are required to attend a two hour training several weeks before the election. The city of Minneapolis enlisted the help of 1,960 election judges for the election. As a judge, you can be compensated for your time at the rate of $11.20/ hour, or you can decline payment and serve as a volunteer. The Department of Election and Voter Services becomes the largest work force in the City each election day.

One of my personal goals for becoming an election judge was to commit to memory my ward and precinct numbers—for some reason, they never would stick. Now, after the election, I’m proud to say I still remember that I live and vote in Ward 2, Precinct 8. The City of Minneapolis has 13 wards and 125 precincts (those are the places where we vote). Each ward has a council member representing it at City Hall.

As an election judge, you are required to take a legally binding oath. With right hand lifted, you are sworn in by the head judge in your precinct before you start your shift, saying: “I solemnly swear that I will perform the duties of election judge according to law and to the best of my ability, and will diligently endeavor to prevent fraud, deceit and abuse in conducting this election. I will perform my duties in a fair and impartial manner, and not attempt to create an advantage for my party or my candidate.” If you are a person who cares about the process of free elections, these are actually significant words to vow.

I served as election judge at my polling place in Brackett Park. It’s approximately 50’ from my house, so an added benefit was that I got to see many of my neighbors voting.

In the park building foyer, a non-partisan program called Kids Voting Minneapolis was staffing a table where school-age kids could participate in mock-voting. The program, which has been around for 10 years, aims to partner with schools and families in preparing students to become informed voters.

Election judges serve in several different roles. The greeter judge stands in the entry way and directs voters to where they need to go. Registration judges register new voters, and roster judges sign in voters who registered in advance of election day. Ballot judges hand voters their ballots and demonstration judges show how to mark them (be careful - the ballot has two sides!). The ballot counter judge oversees the ballot box area and hands out the familiar, red “I Voted” stickers. During the eight hour shift (which either covers the 7am opening or the 8pm closing of the polls), election judges rotate through the different roles. You get to try your hand at each one.

In years past, high school students aged 16+ could serve as election judges but had limited responsibilities. This year, they were invited to participate in the full training and could assume the same responsibilities as adult election judges. Not surprisingly, participation of students increased by nearly 40%. Aidan Denison, a junior at South High School, was a terrific ambassador as a student election judge. She worked the full day, both shifts, and said, “Until two days ago, I didn’t even know that we were getting paid.” She was there because she’s interested in the electoral process, and grew up in a family where her Mom organized political campaigns for a living. Helping out was a way of life in their family, and she was often recruited to stick stamps on envelopes in hopes of reaching people and getting them excited about issues.

Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie estimated voter turnout at just over 50% in this mid-term election. That leaves just under half of our state’s voters that aren’t exercising their right to vote. Whether you’re excited by or indifferent toward America’s electoral process, consider stepping in as an election judge to see how it works - you’ll learn a thing or two about the state you live in.

I learned something when Becky Boland, precinct support judge, addressed a man delivering vending machine supplies at Brackett Park. He asked if he could vote out of precinct, since he was standing in a polling place but was far from home. She told him, “You can’t vote out of precinct, but Minnesota state law requires employers to give time off to vote without penalty or reduction of pay. Minnesota is only one of about half the states in our country to do this.”

I also learned about “vouching,” a process that makes it possible for people without a permanent address or lacking picture ID to become registered to vote. A registered voter can bring up to eight people (who fit the description above) to the polls, personally vouch for their identity, and they’ll be able vote for the next four years without having to re-register.

You may agree or disagree with these, and other, election procedures. But, the point is, whatever your opinion or your political persuasion, getting involved in the process is more fruitful than doing nothing. Consider becoming an election judge in an upcoming election. Get to know the workings of election day from the inside out. Learn to set up and take down portable voting booths. Demonstrate kindness by welcoming voters and thanking them for their participation. Help someone who is confused by the process to register smoothly and cast their vote, maybe for the first time.

The City of Minneapolis Election and Voter Services Department will answer your questions at 612-673-3030. Email them at elections@minneapolismn.gov or check out their website at www.voteminneapolismn.gov.