KRTV

Posted: Mar 16, 2010 4:57 PM
Updated: May 21, 2010 10:52 AM

The next election isn't until June, but on Tuesday, more than 100 people had ballots on the brain as they trained to become election judges.

By law, there must be at least three election judges and one chair judge for every precinct. And on election day, they're in charge of everything from checking IDs and issuing ballots to solving problems.

Kandy Sonsteng, Cascade County elections supervisor, noted, "Without them, we couldn't make this work. We absolutely have to have trained judges who are friendly and happy to be there and willing to help."

Election judge Barbara Duncan said, "I'm very interested in politics, I think that we need to stay involved no matter what age. I think our country is needing a lot more involvement right now."

In addition to civic pride, there's another benefit: election judges make $105 per day, and ballot collectors make $52.50 a day.

Qualifications include, but are not limited to:

. Must be registered to vote in the county and precinct of service
. Must attend election judge certification training conducted by the county election administrator
. May need to make a 2 year commitment and work multiple elections per year
. May not be a candidate or relative of candidate in precinct where candidate name appears on ballot

MT Secretary of State Linda McCulloch noted, "Election judges help ensure the state's elections remain secure, fair, accurate and accessible to all voters. Election judges are appointed by the county at least 30 days before the primary election, so please don't delay if you're interested in fulfilling this important civic duty."

If you're interested in becoming an election judge or helping at the polls in Cascade County, call 454-6804. For other counties, contact your local elections office.