Maryland elections boards put out the call for judges as Election Day approaches

BALTIMORE — With under 60 days to go before the Nov. 5 election, several local jurisdictions across central Maryland are still in need of volunteers to serve as election judges.

The need is greatest in Baltimore City, where city Election Director Armstead Jones said he could use another 2,000 judges. Baltimore typically requires about 2,500 judges to staff Election Day, but many of the people who sign up don’t show, Jones said. The city’s reserves were not enough to properly staff all positions for the May 14 primary when about 600 judges did not come to work, he said. The city is seeking extra judges, so it has a sufficient bench this fall.

Election judges in Baltimore are paid $50 for training and $250 on Election Day. Chief judges receive $325.

Baltimore County Election Director Ruie Lavoie said she still needs about 600 judges to ensure she has the 3,400 required for Election Day. The county is particularly in need of Republican judges, she said. More are needed to staff polling places in the western part of the county which is more heavily Democratic. Democratic judges are needed to staff locations in the northern part of the county which trends Republican, she said.

Baltimore County pays $250 for election judges, $300 to staffers who manage same-day voter registration and $350 for chief judges. Returning judges get a $100 bonus, Lavoie said.

Election judges in Maryland must be 16 or older, be a registered voter, be willing to work outside their home precinct and able to speak, read and write in English. Judges must also be able to work a 15-hour day and be able to sit and stand for an extended period.

Lavoie said she’s gearing up for high turnout this fall with the presidential race on the ballot. Republican former President Donald Trump faces Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. Races for U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives will be decided, as well as local races in Baltimore City.

“I’m expecting a historical turnout,” Lavoie said. “I’m deploying every piece of equipment I have.”

Election directors in Harford and Howard counties reported having a full complement of judges. Guy Mickley, Howard County’s director, said he needs 1,200 judges for Election Day and is fully staffed. Some judges are expected to drop out, however, so the county is still taking applications.

“It’s always harder to get Republicans than Democrats, but we’ll take anyone that would like to be a judge,” he said.

Harford County officials said they already have a waiting list to staff the county’s 840 positions and do not need additional volunteers.

Rich Siejack, deputy director of elections for Anne Arundel County, said he will need 2,200 to 2,300 judges for Election Day and is on target with the applications that have been received so far to meet that number. Still, Anne Arundel County will continue accepting applications to make sure backup judges are available.

Judges in Anne Arundel are paid between $250 and $350, depending on their position. Judges also receive $50 for training and $25 for mandatory pre-Election Day setup.