Closing Judges (CLS) assist with polling place closing activities, and transport critical election items to the Board of Elections main office located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Each polling place is staffed with two Closing Judges of different party affiliations who arrive at the polling place at 6:30 pm to help the Chief Judges prepare for the end of the election and close the voting equipment. Once the polling place is closed, the two Closing Judges ride together to deliver the critical materials to the Board of Elections.

Responsibilities:

  • Work as a team to set up the polling place the evening prior to Election Day/li>
  • Assist with setting up the voting equipment at the pre-election meeting
  • Assist with closing the voting equipment and completing security reports on Election Day
  • Verify receipt of election items and complete chain of custody documents
  • Arrange election items in one vehicle according to written instructions
  • Ride in one vehicle with the other Closing Judge, safely and securely transport materials directly to the Board of Elections in Gaithersburg immediately after leaving the polling place
  • Assist as needed at the direction of the Chief Judges

Requirements:
  • Minimum age - 18 years
  • Complete all required training
  • Attend the mandatory pre-election set-up at the polling place. the evening prior to election day.Standard meeting time is 6:30 pm, but may be adjusted if necessary.
  • 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 written and verbal instructions
  • Automobile: each Closing 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, several large canvas bags containing election materials and large cases containing poll books and printers.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 while transporting the critical materials and election equipment to the Board of Elections.  In the event of any unusual or unplanned circumstance, the Closing Judges must be able to contact and be contacted by the Board of Elections immediately. 

Service Hours and Service Stipend (payment)

  • This is a part-day, evening position.
  • Pre-Election Set-Up Hours: 6:30 pm until completion of set-up (approximately 9:30 pm)
  • Election Day Service Hours: 6:30 pm until drop off is completed (approximately 11:30 pm).
  • Election Day Payment: $135.00. Training Payment: $50.00
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 Election Day or during Early Voting or a $50.00 bonus for each part day served on Election Day or during Early Voting. .