Chief Judges (CHF) serve as the polling precinct supervisors. Each precinct is staffed with two Chief Judges of different party affiliations. Chief Judges are selected from our experienced workers and successful candidates should exhibit the following:  knowledge of the electoral process and procedures, 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 precinct in accordance with Maryland laws
  • Ensure a calm, pleasant voting day experience for voters while making certain all procedures are followed and the integrity of the election is preserved
  • Coordinate and supervise pre-election and election day activities
  • Complete, review and certify all precinct reports and documentation
Requirements:
  • Complete all required training
  • Available the weekend prior to the election 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
  • Conduct the mandatory pre-election meeting/set-up at the polling precinct the evening prior to election day with the co-chief
  • Automobile: each Chief Judge is required to drive a vehicle to the precinct 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 an 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 while 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 Workers who previously served as an Election Judge 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)