Frederick County Board Of Elections Looking For Additional Election Judges

They work at polling places assisting and instructing voters.Frederick, Md (KM) Election judges are needed by the Frederick County Board of Elections for early voting from May 2nd to May 9th, and Primary Election Day on May 14th. Deputy Director Anthony Gutierrez says election judges conduct elections at polling by providing assistance and instructions to voters who have come in to cast their ballots. They also make sure security protocols are in place.”We have security measures  in place that they’re trained on. And in a bipartisan way, they serve our voters. They come for a training session prior to,” he says.Other duties of election judges include setting up the facility as a polling place, and cleaning up after the polls close.The Board of Elections  says election judges must be at least 18 years of age, and be registered voters. But those 16 and 17 years old who are pre-registered to vote can work as election judges with their parents’ consent They also must undergo three to three-and-a-half hours of training.In past years, many election judges were retired citizens, but Gutierrez says anyone can help out at the polling places on early voting and primary election days, including high school students. “They can get service learning credits if they choose. We’re open to anyone who’d like to  volunteer,” he says.One reason there is a   need for additional election judges is to have some people who could step in at a moment’s notice. “We try to have extras as standbys because certainly as it gets closer to May 14th, someone might get sick, or have a conflict with a job. So we need people  on standby just in case,” says Gutierrez.Anyone who wants more information or wants to apply to be an election judge can call 301-600-8683 (VOTE)By Kevin McManus