Election Judge / Ballot Board Members

General 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 May 18, 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 Statues in relation to Election Judges Qualifications:
Duties & Responsibilities

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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• 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.

General 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 May 18, 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 Statues in relation to Election Judges Qualifications:
Duties & Responsibilities

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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• 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.

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