Judge of Election & Inspector duties/overview

Overview of Poll Worker Roles and Responsibilities

This document outlines the duties, compensation, and requirements for three primary election positions in Blair County: Judge of Election, Majority & Minority Inspectors, and Clerks. It also details general expectations for all poll workers, training procedures, and support resources available on Election Day.

Position-Specific Duties and Compensation

Judge of Election

• Role: Elected position serving a 4-year term. Vacancies are filled by the Board of Elections.
• Compensation: $95–$115 for the day, plus $20 for transport/mileage to return supplies and $10 for attending training.
• Key Responsibilities:
  • Receive election supplies at home 4–5 days before the election and transport them to the polling place.
  • Contact inspectors and workers beforehand to confirm availability and find replacements if needed.
  • Secure polling place entry and ensure tables/chairs are set up; may set up the room the night before.
  • Arrive between 6:00–6:15 am to prepare polls for a 7:00 am opening.
  • Manage the polling site, assign duties to other workers, and operate voting machines (DS200 scanner, express vote, closing machines).
  • Hand out paper ballots and instruct voters on provisional ballots.
  • Process all paperwork for return to the Return Center on Election night.
  • Must remain until all paperwork, supplies, and thumb drives are delivered to the Return Center.

Majority & Minority Inspectors

• Role: Elected positions serving 4-year terms. Vacancies are appointed by the Board of Elections with input from the Judge of Election.
  • Note: The Majority Inspector is typically the one who received the most votes in the last inspector election; the Minority Inspector is the second-highest vote-getter or the most recent appointee.
• Compensation: $90–$110 for the day, plus $10 for attending training.
• Key Responsibilities:
  • Arrive between 6:00–6:15 am to assist in preparing polls for a 7:00 am opening.
  • Check voters in at the poll books.
  • Perform other duties assigned by the Judge of Election.
  • Help close voting machines and prepare end-of-day reports.
  • The Minority Inspector keeps Envelope B (containing election returns) for one year.
  • Must remain until all paperwork, supplies, and thumb drives are delivered to the Return Center.

Clerks

• Role: Appointed positions.
• Compensation: $85–$105 for the day, plus $10 for attending training.
• Key Responsibilities:
  • Arrive at the time designated by the Judge of Election (usually 6:00–6:30 am) to help prepare polls for a 7:00 am opening.
  • Perform duties as assigned by the Judge of Election, which may include:
    • Maintaining the numbered list of voters (writing names in a booklet).
    • Directing voters to open booths.
    • Assisting voters who need help.
  • Help close the voting system at the end of the night.
  • May not leave until dismissed by the Judge.

General Duties for All Poll Workers

All poll workers are expected to:

• Conduct the election properly and lawfully, assisting voters courteously.
• Fulfill all duties assigned by the Judge of Election.
• Understand voting systems and voter processing procedures.
• Not discuss opinions on candidates, political parties, or ballot issues with other workers or voters.
• Follow the Judge’s instructions for setting up voting equipment and the polling place.
• Sign the paysheet.
• Prohibit partisan material inside the polling place and prevent campaigning by voters.

Training

• Held 3–4 weeks before each election, with morning, afternoon, and evening classes available.
• Teams are strongly encouraged to attend together but do not have to.
• An in-depth training manual is provided, covering:
  • Completing paperwork.
  • Understanding poll book information.
  • Contact numbers for the Voter Registration office on Election Day.
  • Voting system manuals and instructions for opening/closing machines.
  • Issuing provisional ballots.

Support Resources

• Election Rovers: Stationed throughout Blair County on Election Day, available starting at 5:00 am to assist with voting system issues.
• Election/Voter Registration Staff: Available before and on Election Day to answer questions or resolve problems. Contact via phone at 693-3150 or email sseymour@blairco. org.

Contact Information

For interest in running for Judge or Inspector, or to fill a current vacancy in the County, contact:

• Phone: 693-3150
• Email: sseymour@blairco. org