Secretary of State Jena Griswold Encourages Coloradans to Join the State’s Election Process as Election Judges, and Announces Election Judge Recruitment Effort

Denver, May 19, 2020 – Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold is encouraging Coloradans to get involved with the state’s elections by serving as Election Judges in the June 30th State Primary. As a result of COVID-19, the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office is working to recruit Election Judges as a contingency to ensure there are enough for the two upcoming statewide elections to run smoothly. To facilitate this effort, the Secretary of State’s office has developed a webpage where Coloradans can sign up to show their interest in becoming an election judge.

To limit the spread of COVID-19 and prioritize the safety of Coloradans, Election Judges will be provided with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while performing their duties.

According to a Pew Research Center analysis of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s biennial Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS), 58% of poll workers in the 2018 midterm elections were age 61 or older and 27% were over 70. As individuals in these age ranges are considered at higher risk for complications from coronavirus, it is anticipated that some people who usually serve as Election Judges may not serve this year as they have in the past.

“As the nation’s youngest Secretary of State, I want to encourage a new generation of people to get involved with our elections this year by serving as Election Judges,” said Secretary Griswold. “Being an Election Judge is a great way to get involved in our democracy while getting a front-row seat to see how Colorado’s election process works. It is also important work because judges keep our Voter Service and Polling Centers operating.”

“We need the next generation of Coloradoans, who are at a lower risk of getting sick, to step up and serve as election judges to protect our democracy during this crisis," said Adams County Clerk Josh Zygielbaum. "I encourage any Coloradan who is able to work as an election judge to not only earn extra income but to also serve your community."

Serving as an Election Judge is a temporary, paid position. Pay differs county to county but is required by state law. Secretary Griswold is glad to be able to increase election judge pay by $3 per hour this year, as well as offer paid sick leave.

Election Judges are needed for varying periods of time starting June 1st through July 22nd depending on the needs of the individual counties. Election Judges may be affiliated with any political party or unaffiliated. In some counties, there is a high need for those who speak multiple languages.

Election Judges serve a vital role in Colorado’s elections as an important point of contact at Voter Service & Polling Centers by greeting voters, checking them in, explaining the voting equipment, and assisting in voter registration. In bipartisan teams, Election Judges pick up ballots from ballot drop boxes, conduct ballot signature review, open envelopes and process ballots, among other things.

Coloradans who have not yet reached voting age can also participate. Colorado offers a Student Election Judge program for juniors and seniors in high school (ages 16 and 17) that enables young people to work at polling places and gain an understanding for how democracy works in their community while getting paid for their work.

To express interest in serving as an Election Judge, fill out a special online form on the Secretary of State’s website. If Election Judges are needed in your area, a representative from a county clerk’s office will be contacting you.

For more information on Election Judges, please visit here.  For information on Colorado elections, please visit www.sos.state.co.us.