Chief Judges (CHF) serve as the polling precinct supervisors. Each polling place is staffed with two Chief Judges of different party affiliations. Chief judges open and close the voting equipment, complete most of the required forms, handle voter concerns, and maintain the order and operation of the polling place. They may fill in as a substitute for any election judge at any voting station. It is recommended that Chief Judges are experienced election workers and successful candidates should exhibit the following: patience and flexibility, strong communication and organizational skills, an attention to detail, sensitivity to the needs of voters and good people skills

Responsibilities:

  • In conjunction with a co-chief, supervise the operation of the polling place in accordance with Maryland laws
  • In conjunction with a co-chief, coordinate and supervise pre-election and election day activities, including mandatory pre-election meeting/set-up at the polling place the evening prior to election day
  • Ensure a calm, pleasant voting day experience for voters while making certain all procedures are followed and the integrity of the election is preserved
  • In conjunction with a co-chief, complete, review and certify all precinct reports and documentation
Requirements:
  • Complete all required training
  • Available the weekend prior to the election day to pick-up supplies and/or attend a pre-election briefing
  • Able to speak clearly, listen well and to be friendly and welcoming
  • Able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time
  • Able to follow procedures; written and verbal instructions
  • Automobile: each Chief Judge is required to drive a vehicle to the polling place on election day. The vehicle must be able to transport two people, the election materials and the voting equipment (excluding the Scanning Unit). The vehicle may be a car, SUV, pick–up truck with a covered bed, or van. Public transportation, taxi cabs, ride sharing services (Uber, Lyft, etc.) motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, and mopeds are not acceptable means of transportation to serve in this position.
  • Cell Phone: required for use on election day to communicate with the Board of Elections and if transporting the critical materials and election equipment to the Board of Elections.  In the event of any unusual or unexpected circumstance, the Chief Judges must be able to contact and be contacted by the Board of Elections immediately.
  • Minimum age - 18 years


Election Day Payment:          $320.00                      Training Payment:     $70.00
* Election Judges who previously served as an Election Judge in the 2022 election or earlier will receive a $100.00 bonus for each Election Day and/or each Early Voting Day served during the 2024 elections .
Election Day Hours:              6:00 am – to Closing (approximately 11:00 pm)