Robbinsdale’s Election Judge Serves for 46th consecutive year

Elections wouldn’t happen without thousands of volunteer election judges. One judge in Robbinsdale has been serving for over 45 years.

The names on the ballots have changed, and Registration has become more high-tech. However, one election judge in Robbinsdale has stayed the same.

“Just try to be helpful and be kind to my neighbors,” says Mark Patterson who has served as an election judge since 1972.

Why Mark Patterson keeps serving

Patterson says that helping his neighbors is a big part of why he has continued to volunteer over the years. The reason he began serving as an election judge though was for a different reason.

“At that time I began serving there was the Vietnam War going on,” added Patterson.  “A lot of my friends were coming back either dead or disabled.  That made me want to get involved in politics.”

Since 1972 the neighborhoods have changed.

“The neighborhoods have been transitioning from old people to young people with kids, “ says Patterson.

Patterson says the job of election judge isn’t always easy.

“Just be prepared to be yelled at and to be cursed at and to be told you’re doing things wrong,” says Patterson.  “It’s not east but it’s all a part of the process. When people come in they don’t realize what it’s like.”

He says many people don’t understand how the processes work. However, he encourages anyone that’s interested in serving to give it a try.

“Go for it,” says Patterson.  “People interested should first go through the training to see if you would like it.”

Patterson plans on serving as an election judge in November for the general election.