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

Responsibilities:
In coonjunction with a Co-Chief Judge :

  • Coordinate and supervise the operation of the polling place in accordance with Maryland laws
  • Coordinate and supervise pre-election and Election Day activities, including the mandatory pre-election set-up meeting at the polling place the evening prior to Election Day. Standard meeting time is 6:30 pm, but may be adjusted if necessary
  • Ensure a calm, pleasant voting day experience for voters while making certain all procedures are followed and the integrity of the election is preserved
  • Make task assignments, arrange breaks and rotate Election Judges’ assignments as needed
  • Complete, review and certify (sign) all precinct reports and documentation
  • Make sure all ballots, voting equipment, passwords and keys remain secure
  • Promptly communicate any questions, concerns or supply needs to the Board of Election staff and thoroughly document any concerns
  • Coordinate closing activities, ensure all critical items are accounted for and returned to the Board of Elections and the polling place facility is closed in timely manner/li>
Requirements:
  • Minimum age - 18 years
  • Complete all required training
  • 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
  • Available the weekend prior to the election day to pick-up supplies and/or attend a pre-election briefing. Note: The automobile used for supply pick-up must be able to carry four (4) large bags and additional election materials. Acceptable vehicles 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 task
  • 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.
Service Hours and Service Stipend (payment)
  • This is a full-day position.
  • Pre-Election Set-Up Hours: 6:30pm to completion of set-up (approximately 9:30 pm)
  • Election Day Service Hours: 6:00 am – to approximately 11:00 pm
  • Election Day Payment: $320.00 Training Payment: $70.00
  • Note: Election Workers who served as Election Judges (poll workers) in the 2024 election cycle will receive a returning service bonus for Election Judge service during the 2026 election cycle. Election Judges will receive a $100.00 bonus for each full day served on Election Day or during Early Voting or a $50.00 bonus for each part day served on Election Day or during Early Voting.


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