Countless issues that come up during elections can be solved or prevented by election workers that are properly trained and suited for the job. Would you want a surgeon who had one training class, showed up in the operating room, and then was handed a scalpel to perform your surgery? Why trust a novice with something as important as your vote? Now is the time to review election judge performance and recruit for future elections.
Election Judges have the power and authority of a District Judge. They can appoint special peace officers to keep the peace at the polling location and even issue an arrest warrant. Their decisions directly affect the security of the election. A well-trained judge with a good temperament can ensure a secure, transparent election. A poorly trained judge can make mistakes that erode the security of the election and the public trust. This is not a job to be taken lightly.
Those chosen as judges should be the best of the best. They should have experience, just like any other job. A best practice is for someone to start as a poll watcher, move up to clerk, and then be promoted to judge. We should see the role of election judge as a privilege and an honor, not a burden.
The work may be temporary, but it is a paid job and should be treated as such. The hiring process varies, but most Election Judges are chosen from lists submitted by County Party Chairs. In some counties, the people on the list are there for two years, others just one. These decisions are supposed to be made with careful thought, well in advance of the election.
Unfortunately, in many counties, there is a struggle to find people willing to work. Elections Offices then have to resort to hiring people with no experience. The potential for a breakdown in the security of the election is massive in these cases. In most jobs people have a trainer on their first day, walking them through the job and catching their mistakes. Election judges are given a training class and then thrown into the fire.
There are two things you can do to ensure your county has the most qualified election workers possible, review and recruit now. If you see a great team of poll workers when you go to vote, call your County Party Chair and give a five star review. If you encounter a team that is rude, disorganized, or otherwise lacking, report that as well. The County Chairs appointing judges aren’t able to observe their performance at the polls, so they could benefit from your input. Please remember to be kind and constructive in your reviews.
Next, start recruiting people to work the polls. Recruit retired people, moms with grown children, anyone with the flexibility to take off work for Election Day, or better yet, the two weeks of Early Voting. Get them involved in the process by starting as a poll watcher or clerk. Election laws are meaningless if they aren’t followed. Election security can be broken by just one poorly run polling location. We must recruit our best to serve, and don’t forget, the person you recruit could be you!