Vote Center Judge

Job Description:

Vote Center Judge

Description

Introduction

Make Democracy Happen - Join our Vote Center Team!

The Placer County Elections Office is seeking temporary/extra-help Vote Center Judges for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election and November 3, 2026 General Election.

Vote Center Judges are responsible for a wide variety of tasks including, but not limited to, assisting with directing Vote Center staff which may include assigning, scheduling, training, and prioritizing work; assisting with the opening, operating, and closing of the Vote Center; analyzing, troubleshooting, and resolving issues or concerns which arise at Vote Centers; and assisting with the issuance of ballots to voters at Vote Centers. Vote Center Judges will be required to attend a mandatory training.

For the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election, Vote Centers will be open for voting for either a 4 or 11-day voting period. Depending on which you are assigned to, you will either be required to work from Saturday, May 23, 2026 through Tuesday, June 2, 2026 or from Saturday, May 30, 2026 through Tuesday, June 2, 2026. You must be able to work either all eleven or all four days.

For the November 3, 2026 General Election, Vote Centers will be open for voting for either a 4 or 11-day voting period. Depending on which you are assigned to, you will either be required to work from Saturday, October 24, 2026 through Tuesday, November 3, 2026 or from Saturday, October 31, 2026 through Tuesday, November 3, 2026. You must be able to work either all eleven or all four days.

Placer County is also currently accepting applications for Vote Center Inspectors and Vote Center Clerk. To be eligible for more than one level in the series, you must complete and submit separate applications and supplemental questionnaires for each recruitment:

Vote Center Inspector #2026-11858-01

Vote Center Judge #2026-11859-01

Vote Center Clerk #2026-11860-01

Individuals who will be volunteering as part of a service club do not need to submit an application for Vote Center Inspector, Vote Center Judge, and/or Vote Center Clerk. Please reach out to your service club contact for more information about signing up to volunteer.

POSITION INFORMATION

To work the election, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years of age (or a minimum of 16 years of age if participating in the Student Poll Worker Program)
• Be a registered voter in the State of California OR a permanent legal resident of the United States
• Be able to read and write in fluent English
• Be able to attend a mandatory training prior to the election

Prior to the date of hire, applicants may be required to undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice and pre-employment physical.

Are you bilingual?

The County of Placer is actively recruiting bilingual Vote Center Judges to serve their communities. We need your help if you are fluent in English and any of the following languages:

• Spanish
• Tagalog
• Punjabi

Vote Center Judges who are designated to use a second language in the normal course and scope of work will be required to successfully complete the Foreign Language Proficiency exam to receive five percent (5%) bilingual pay.

DEFINITION

(Unclassified)

To perform administrative, clerical, and document processing functions at assigned Vote Center; serve as a resource to assigned staff and the public regarding areas of assignment; assist in overseeing Vote Center staff; and perform related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full journey level classification in the Vote Center class series. Employees perform the full range of election support duties assigned to classifications within this series, and following training in their functional area of assignment receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Staff at this level may provide coverage for the Vote Center Inspector in their absence, including performing technical and functional supervision over an assigned Vote Center team comprised of lower-level staff or volunteers.

Incumbents in this classification work on an extra-help only basis, and as such, cannot work more than 1000 hours in a fiscal year, nor are they eligible to be transitioned into a permanent full-time position. Assigned tasks are performed on an as-needed basis, usually during peak work periods generated by preparatory and subsequent activities related to elections.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct supervision from Elections division staff.

Exercises functional and technical supervision over assigned Vote Center staff in the absence of the Vote Center Inspector.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with directing and overseeing Vote Center staff, which may include assigning, scheduling, training, and prioritizing work.
• Assist with opening, operating, and closing of the Vote Center.
• Respond to questions from the public regarding general voting information.
• Support the public by providing requested forms and assisting with their completion.
• Review and verify voter information using the voter registration database.
• Assist with the issuance of ballots to voters at Vote Centers.
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve issues or concerns which arise at the Vote Centers; identify corrective action if needed, and notify appropriate department staff.
• Verify official seals and logs on ballot boxes, voting equipment, and election storage.
• Enforce and follow state and federal laws by following procedures and performing tasks as instructed.
• Perform the duties of the Vote Center Inspector in their absence.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training:
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Some work or voluntary experience assisting with elections, including public contact, which provides the knowledge and abilities required above.

Training: Formal or informal education or training which ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES


Knowledge of:

• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Basic office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
• Basic mathematical calculations.
• Customer service principles and practices.
• Procedures for maintaining inventory records.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of assignment; read, understand, identify, interpret, analyze, explain, apply, and recall practices, policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to elections and Vote Center operations; manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and quickly switch between tasks; focus on a single task for long periods of time; work with frequent interruptions; work under time pressure and complete a high volume of tasks; and maintain awareness of safety at all times.
• On a continuous basis, sit at a desk and/or stand at counter for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, kneel, and twist to set up and operate Vote Center equipment; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; speak, use a telephone, write, and use a keyboard to communicate or to enter/retrieve data from a computer; see and hear with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; lift moderate weight.
• Coordinate, organize, and direct the work of others.
• Review and verify documents related to elections operations.
• Perform routine mathematical calculations.
• Verify data for accuracy and compliance in election processes.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the public.
• Maintain security and confidentiality of restricted information.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Work prolonged hours, holidays, and weekends.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a credit check, voice stress analysis, and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of the following characteristics: gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, the person’s use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace, political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or any combination of two or more characteristics stated herein. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

Conclusion

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Bethany Clinkenbeard, Administrative Technician, at [email protected] or at (530) 886-4669.

Closing Date/Time: Open Until Filled

Salary:

$23.50 - $23.50/hour