Election Judge / Ballot Board Members

Dakota County, Minnesota; Hastings (MN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Dakota County, Minnesota is seeking Election Judge Ballot Board Members for the Administration Center in Hastings to support the voting process during the 45 days before an election. The role involves reviewing ballots, verifying voter registration and eligibility, and recording and tabulating absentee ballots.

Open positions are 6-month temp, full-time, located in Hastings. The team values accuracy, reliability, and strong communication, with tasks that include balancing ballots, handling

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of computers.
• Ability to work under pressure during elections.
• Ability to perform accurate and detailed work proofreading, filing, and balancing.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review returned absentee ballots for completion and accuracy.
• Determine voter’s registration status within SVRS and review the signature envelope.
• Verify voter’s identification requirements in SVRS and ensure envelope is signed.
• Review voter’s witness eligibility and approve appropriate ballots.
• Record accepted absentee ballots in SVRS and balance counts.
• Open and prepare ballots for scanning and tabulate absentee ballots.

Skills

Computers

Under pressure

Proofreading

Interpersonal skills

Job description

POSTING TYPE: Open - Competitive

DEPARTMENT: Elections

HOURS: Full-time, 6-month temp

SALARY RANGE: $22.00 / hourly

LOCATION: Hastings

UNION: None

CLOSE DATE: Continuous with first review of applicants on September 3, 2026

Election Judge Ballot Board Members are responsible for reviewing and processing absentee ballots returned by the voter to Dakota County during the 45 days before an election. Review and process ballots within voter registration system database. Works closely with election judges of different major political parties. Have the flexibility to be scheduled to serve on the board every day or to be called in as replacement on short notice.

Open positions are available at the Administration Center in Hastings.

Who We Are

Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellent public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

• At least 18 years of age
• Minnesota resident for at least 20 days
• Citizen of the United States
• Able to read, write, and speak the English language
• Eligible to vote in Minnesota

To view the specific minimum qualifications/statutory requirements you must meet in order to serve as an election judge, please use the following link to read Sec. 204B.19 of the Minnesota Statutes in relation to Election Judges Qualifications: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/204B.19

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Review returned absentee ballots for completion.
2. Determine voter’s registration status within the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS) and the signature envelope.
3. Compare voter’s identifying requirements within the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS) and ensure voter has signed the envelope.
4. Review voter’s witness eligibility.
5. Issue replacement ballots if envelope was rejected.
6. Record accepted absentee ballots within SVRS.
7. Count and balance absentee ballots.
8. Open and prepare ballots for scanning.
9. Tabulate absentee ballots.
10. Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1-10 are essential.

• Basic knowledge of computers.
• Ability to work under pressure effectively and efficiently during elections.
• Ability to perform accurate and detailed work proofreading, filing, and balancing.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a County office building. Some travel within Dakota County may be required. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Position may require travel within Dakota County and will require occasional use of a personal vehicle.

Equipment that may be used include, but is not limited to, ballot counter, computer, tablet, printer, telephone, calculator, copy and scanning machines.