Maple Grove Election Judges Ensure “Smooth and Fair” Process
Maple Grove voters are not heading to the polls in 2023. But city clerk Amy Dietl says it’s still a good time to consider becoming an election judge.
Election judges. Sometimes referred to as the ‘guardians of democracy’, are gearing up for a busy 2024 election season.
Mike Jarmuzek, an election judge in Maple Grove, emphasized the non-partisan nature of the work.
“We don’t talk about candidates, we don’t talk about the ballots, we don’t look at the ballots,” said Jarmuzek.
Jarmuzek, who has served as an election judge for more than a decade, says his job is to ensure the voting process runs smooth and fair.
“Everybody sees the during part because it’s quick, it’s easy… but they don’t see the stuff afterwards… how well everything is processed and and processed legally to keep everything on the up and up,” said Jarmuzek.
Maple Grove City Clerk Amy Dietl oversees the city’s 15 voting precincts.
Voter at voting booth.
“We typically hire anywhere between 200 and 600 election judges depending on the election,” said Dietl.
According to Dietl, the motivation for serving as as election judge varies from person to person.
“We have judges that are just looking to fulfill their civic duty, some really like the social aspect of it,” Dietl explained. “And for some, it’s just an opportunity to earn more money.”
Dietl says the camaraderie among election judges adds an extra layer of depth to their service.
“It’s kind of fun to watch people reunite when they come in during election season and they’re laughing and hugging and chatting and catching up,” Dietl said.
Future Recruitment
Dietl encourages potential applicants to consider joining the ranks of Maple Grove’s election judges in the upcoming crucial election year. She says the opportunity is open to a wide range of community members, including older high school and college students.
“Students are welcome, so anybody who is of the age of 16 or older can certainly serve as an election judge,” said Dietl.
Election judges must also be a Minnesota resident and speak English.
The hourly pay for election judges in Maple Grove ranges from $13 to $15 per hour.
Looking ahead to 2024, Dietl states,”We will be hitting it hard in December to recruit for 2024. It’ll be a busy election year with three elections.”
Those interested in becoming an election judge should go to the city of Maple Grove’s website.
