Maryland Election Judges: What They Do, Who Can Apply And How Training Works

CALIFORNIA, Md. — A Maryland election judge is a poll worker who runs assigned procedures at a voting location — not a courtroom judge. According to the Maryland State Board of Elections, judges set up and break down the polling place, check in and assist voters, and oversee election procedures to uphold the integrity of the vote.

Depending on assignment, duties can include preparing the site, checking in voters, directing them to the right station, explaining voting equipment, and protecting ballots and election materials. Anne Arundel County describes an election judge as a registered voter appointed by the local Board of Elections to maintain the integrity of the voting process, with duties split by role: checking in voters, assisting with equipment, and supervising the polling place.

In Baltimore City, check-in judge duties include opening and closing the polls, verifying voters in the electronic pollbook, issuing voter authority cards and correct ballots, checking ID for certain first-time voters, and referring problems to the chief judge rather than resolving them independently.

In St. Mary’s County, the Board of Elections notes that judges are the only contact the public has with the Board during voting hours — so they’re expected to be reliable, courteous, well-presented, able to follow procedure, and above all, to use good judgment.

Who Can Apply?

Candidates, current officeholders (including party central committees), and chairs, campaign managers, or treasurers of political/candidate committees are not eligible.

Prince George’s County lists additional physical requirements sometimes applied at the county level — being able to work outside your home precinct and sit or stand for extended periods — so it’s worth confirming exact requirements with your own local board, since they can vary by jurisdiction.

How Training Works

Under state regulations, no one may serve as an election judge — except under emergency appointment — without completing the required training program. In Calvert County, attending that training is a mandatory condition of appointment under Maryland election law.

Training covers voter check-in, equipment, accessibility, ballot handling, and polling place conduct — but judges aren’t expected to memorize every scenario. Instead, they’re trained to follow a clear chain of responsibility: as in Baltimore City, unresolved issues get sent up to the chief judge rather than handled on the fly.

Anyone interested should contact their local board of elections for current deadlines, training schedules, and assignments.

Related Articles From The BayNet

• Maryland State Board Of Elections Encourages Marylanders To Serve Their Community As Election Judges
• Marylanders 16 And Older Can Earn $250 A Day Serving As Election Judges

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