How to Become an Election Judge in Texas

The state of Texas employs election judges to oversee the operations of precinct voting facilities during each election. These judges oversee clerks and other volunteers during equipment setup, voter registration and ballot counting to ensure fairness for all candidates. Every Texas resident can leverage party affiliations and experiences in public service to become an election judge.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Study the map of your county to determine eligibility for a position as a Texas election judge. Every judge needs to be a qualified voter from the precinct where they live before Election Day.

2. Get involved in your political party to attain a position as a primary or alternate election judge in Texas. Texas electoral statutes dictate that judges are chosen for each precinct based on electoral results from the last gubernatorial race. The party with the highest number of votes in this race gets to select the election judge while the second-place party chooses the alternate judge.

3. Contact the county clerk to keep your name on a supplementary list of election judges for upcoming elections. This list is combined with the preference list generated by both parties to ensure that each position is filled prior to Election Day. Your selection off the supplemental list is contingent on a judge of your same political party dropping out of the position.

4. Lobby the county chair for your political party to get an election judge position in primary elections. State law requires that party leaders in each county select election judges and clerks for local, state and federal primaries.

5. Peruse the appointment letter carefully before signing up for a position as a Texas election judge. This letter will indicate the length of service required of judges ranging from a single election to two years.

6. Swear an oath to the state of Texas and sign the appointment letter before undergoing election judge training. These formalities are facilitated by county officials and ensure that judges will take their duties seriously on Election Day.

7. Read sample ballots from local, state and federal elections in the most recent cycle to prepare for work as an election judge. Some voters have visual and physical impairments that make voting difficult without assistance from poll workers. Understand the offices up for election and learn the pronunciation of each candidate's name to ensure clarity at the polls.

Tips & Warnings

• Glance at voter logs and other forms used to facilitate voting in upcoming elections. Every election judge should understand the procedure for checking in voters, issuing ballots and dealing with spoiled ballots before setting foot in the voting place.

• Prepare physically and mentally for a long day at the polls before an appointment as a Texas election judge. Most judges wear comfortable clothing and shoes to stay focused on checking out ballots and helping clerks complete their tasks. It is important to get a good night's sleep and bring snacks to the polling place to keep running from early morning until night.

Resources

• State of Texas Election Code
• Texas Secretary of State Poll Worker Training