Behind the election

Under the cover of darkness, election judges make their way to their polling stations. Upon arriving, they begin setting up stations, receiving assignments, and checking in with the chief judge. Once the clock hits 7:00 a.m., the judges at the check-in station open the polls, and a day of voting begins.

Ballot Box

Photo: Ballot drop box.

Ballot drop box. Photo courtesy of Thea Womack.

The voting process

Just like on Election Day, early voting judges must work a full 17 hours, starting at 6:00 a.m. and ending around 10:30 p.m. They must set up the polling center according to a layout designed by the county for that specific location. In order to direct voters around the polling center, judges place arrows on the ground and provide a general description of each station to voters. For example, at the Potomac Community Center, judges use a green balloon to guide voters from the check-in table to the ballot issuing table.

Kathrin Muegge, a physician and molecular biologist for the Center of Cancer Research who worked as a judge, explains why the green balloon has proven to be beneficial. “Most voters don’t care about a ‘white table,’ ‘ballot table’ or following arrows, but they were happy to see a green balloon, especially when it gets really busy,” Muegge says.

Although voters are asked which method of voting they would prefer, the judges at the ballot issuing table must double-check to make sure the voter is confident in their choice. Isabel Ginsburg, a senior at Winston Churchill High School and Election Judge, describes the work done at the ballot issuing table. “I would issue different ballot styles depending on if the voter wanted to mark their ballots with a paper and pen, or the ballot marking device,” Ginsburg says.  

During early voting, election judges are responsible for serving all voters in Montgomery County, meaning that, unlike normal election processes, they must account for over 200 precincts. This becomes especially evident at the ballot issuing table, when, if asked for a paper ballot, judges must sift through hundreds of ballots to find the correct one for the voter’s precinct.  

Once the voter marks their ballot, the judges instruct them on how to insert their ballot into one of the many scanners stationed around the center. Once the ballot has been inserted, their vote has been cast and they are free to grab a sticker and leave.

Election Day struggles

Despite all of the work that goes into the election process, problems are bound to arise. There are a lot of rules and regulations that an election judge must follow, most of which voters are not aware of. Kathrin Muegge explains how people are generally oblivious to voting jargon. “If you ask most voters, they don’t know what a voter authority card (VAC) is or why we have to sign them,” Muegge said.

A lot of times, confusion about the process can lead to conflict or skepticism. Montgomery College student Andrew Serrano describes a confrontation he experienced as a check-in judge. “Always be prepared to be harassed at least once,” Serrano said, “I got yelled at by a lady who didn't listen and shoved her ID in my face.”

A lot of judges have expressed that people generally like to criticize or distrust the election process, partially because they don’t understand it. Therefore, election judges have to make an effort to ensure the security and procedures of the election. 

Along with that, they also have to work long, intense hours interacting with all types of people. If you plan on voting on Nov. 5, make sure to treat the election judges with respect because they are human too, and sometimes make mistakes. Michael Kueh, a junior at Wootton High School and Election Judge, talks about his experience when it comes to unexpected situations. “You have to be firm in the rules, it’s better to let them know you don’t know something rather than lie because it can cause more problems in the future,” Kueh explains.

How can you get involved?

Although being an election judge requires hard work and long hours, it’s a great way to get involved in the election process. If you’re not 26 years old or are not registered to vote, the Future Vote program is a great way to experience the election process firsthand. Fiona Southall, a junior at Winston Churchill High School, learned a lot through her experience as a Student Election Aide in the Future Vote program. “I saw what jobs people get assigned and what they do in each job,” Southall says, “at the check-in people the judges had to ask people for their name, date of birth, address, and political party.”

For people serving as judges, they not only get the experience of serving the community but they also get paid for their service. David Hunter II illustrates the reward for volunteering as an election judge.“Being a judge is tiring, but I like the work and the pay,” Hunter says.

As mentioned earlier, aiding in the election process can allow people to feel more connected to their community and government. Kueh enjoyed serving as a judge because it was fulfilling and talks about why he decided to serve as an election judge. “It can feel almost exhilarating assisting the election,” Kueh explains, “It makes you feel like you have an impact, especially when you can’t vote.”

For those willing to help with the election process, check the Montgomery County Board of Elections website for updates. Of course, the easiest way to get involved in the election is to vote. For those over the age of 18, or over the age of 16 in Takoma Park, make sure to go out and vote on Nov. 5!