Missoula County looks to recruit 2020 election judges

MISSOULA - The Missoula County Elections Office is encouraging civically engaged community members to serve as election judges for the 2020 primary and general elections.

The office hopes to recruit 600 election judges, poll book judges and polling place managers for the upcoming election year. Election judges greet voters, issue ballots, operate equipment, answer questions and hand out “I voted” stickers. They are paid for their service and their training.

Judges are asked to work the June primary and the general election in November for either a full or a half shift. Election judges are paid $8.65 an hour, while poll book judges make $8.80 an hour and polling place managers earn $14 an hour. Election judges are often assigned to their neighborhood polling place and they also help process absentee ballots in the counting center.

“It takes a community-wide effort to conduct fair and organized elections,” said Bradley Seaman, Missoula County interim elections administrator. “Election judges are champions of the election process who play a crucial role in ensuring the strength and integrity of the voting process by upholding election law and providing friendly customer service.”

Judges must be at least 18 years old and registered to vote. They must reside in Missoula County and they should be ready and willing to learn more about the voting process and be enthusiastic about providing friendly customer service to Missoula voters. 

The county provides Election Judge Certification training, which is required by law. Initial training is about three hours. There are advanced sessions for poll book judges and polling place managers. Training sessions are scheduled throughout March and will be held in Building 15 at the Missoula County Fairgrounds, 1101 South Ave. W.

New and returning election judges can sign up at www.MissoulaElectionJudge.com, by calling 406-258-4751 or by emailing electioninfo@missoulacounty.us. When registering, applicants will be required to provide their name, address and date of birth to verify they are registered to vote in Missoula County.

For more information, call Seaman at 406-529-8980 or email bseaman@missoulacounty.us.