MARYLAND News (10/3/2024) – In an official statement released on October 2, 2024, Jared DeMarinis, the Administrator of the Maryland State Board of Elections, outlined the critical importance of recruiting and assigning election judges to ensure the smooth administration of the upcoming elections. DeMarinis emphasized that election judges play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process.
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According to DeMarinis, the recruitment of election judges has traditionally been a challenging task for local boards of elections, but legislative efforts have provided substantial support. For example, Maryland law allows for the appointment of election judges from outside their home counties and encourages the participation of residents as young as 16. Additionally, registered voters unaffiliated with the Democratic or Republican parties are eligible to serve, and state employees are allowed administrative leave to serve as election judges during their scheduled work hours.
DeMarinis stressed that the expansion of recruitment opportunities is crucial to meeting the ongoing need for election judges. “We need individuals to serve,” he said, underscoring that the nonpartisan nature of the role ensures that election judges can administer the voting process without any political bias or interference.
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Election judges undergo training to manage polling places efficiently and facilitate fair, transparent elections. They are also responsible for enforcing the no-electioneering zone around polling locations and are prohibited from engaging in political activities during their service. These measures are designed to uphold the highest standards of electoral integrity.
Despite these efforts, there is still a persistent shortage of election judges. DeMarinis noted that various factors, such as illness or emergencies, may prevent appointed judges from serving on the designated day. As a result, local election boards must maintain a pool of on-call judges to ensure smooth operations on election day.
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The administrator also addressed concerns regarding the role of partisan affiliation in the election process. DeMarinis was clear that an election judge’s party affiliation does not affect the outcome of the election, nor does it disenfranchise voters. “Voters decide the outcomes of elections,” he affirmed, adding that any complaints regarding an election judge’s performance should be promptly reported to the local election board for investigation.
DeMarinis concluded by clarifying the limited role of law enforcement at polling places. He emphasized that the Sheriff’s office does not have the authority to conduct security checks or secure ballots in a polling place. Instead, the responsibility for maintaining order and upholding the integrity of the voting process lies with the election judges. Law enforcement officials, including police officers, are required to follow the directions of election judges while on-site.
In his closing remarks, DeMarinis expressed confidence in Maryland’s electoral process, assuring voters that their ballots will be securely counted and that elections will be conducted in compliance with the law.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors
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Most companies would never find workers if they had Election Judge hours and conditions. 5AM wake-up and hopefully back home by 11PM… serving as an Election Judge is no easy day. And there’s a night before set-up as well. Breaks are taken when opportunity affords and you are basically confined to the polling place for the duration… yes, that includes meal times as well.
You are compensated for serving (and taxed as well as a county employee), but it’s not about the pay. It’s about one’s civic duty in support of the constitutional republic processes of these United States.
Yes, I can understand why it is a challenge to find election judges and my experience suggests many come from the ranks of the retired.
Mr. DeMarinis correctly points out the importance the election process and the important function Election Judges play in this democratic process as Lincoln spoke, “…of the people, by the people for the people,”. We are fortunate in Washington County Maryland to have a diverse pool of dedicated Election Judges striving to provide the highest standards for the upcoming election.