Douglas County Elections welcomes interested citizens to serve as temporary election workers, called Election Judges. This is a unique opportunity to get involved in your local government and play a role in the democratic process. Please read through the information below and complete the online Election Judge Interest Survey. Questions? Please email: [email protected]
Election Judge Duties
Colorado Revised Statutes §1-6-101(2) establishes qualifications for Election Judges. To be an Election Judge, you must be:
Computer Skill Levels: Please read the job description for each role below, and request the roles you are most interested in when filling out the Election Judge Interest Survey. The computer skill level needed is indicated for each role:
Completing the Election Judge Interest Survey does not ensure an appointment as an Election Judge. If appointed, you will receive additional information and an official Certificate of Appointment at a later date. Serving as an election judge is a temporary position with Douglas County that is limited to the duration of each election cycle.
Thank you!
Roundup Election Judges work in bipartisan teams of two. The teams are responsible for the secure collection of ballots from Douglas County’s 21 outdoor ballot drop box locations. This role requires attention to detail to document the statutory chain of custody in the collection and delivery of ballots from ballot drop boxes to the Douglas County Elections Office.
Ballot Intake Election Judges receive and sort incoming ballots that are delivered to the Douglas County Elections Office by the Ballot Roundup teams. This role requires attention to detail to verify and document the statutory chain of custody in the receipt of ballots at the Elections Office.
Envelope Sorting Election Judges are responsible for running all returned ballot envelopes through a large mail sorter. This role requires attention to detail to create ballot batches from the mail sorter, reconcile ballot batch reports, and complete associated data entry.
Signature Verification Election Judges receive specialized training to review and verify voter signatures that are provided on ballot return envelopes. This role requires the highest level of attention to detail. This role also completes audits of approved signatures, prepares and sends signature discrepancy letters to voters who need to confirm their signature, and other duties as assigned.
Ballot Removal Election Judges work in teams of mixed party affiliation to physically separate ballots from their return envelopes, either manually, or using envelope opening equipment. This role requires attention to detail to audit and reconcile ballot and envelope batch reports before and after ballots are removed.
Ballot Resolution Election Judges work in a bipartisan team of two to evaluate the images of ballots that are damaged, have stray marks, corrections, or indicate a write-in candidate. The team uses high-resolution ClearCount ballot imaging software and the Voter Intent Guide produced by the Office of the Secretary of State to resolve the ballot by determining the voter’s intent.
Ballot Duplication Election Judges work in a bipartisan team of two to create a standard ballot for scanning for:
This role requires a high attention to detail and may also perform other duties as assigned.
Ballot Scanning Election Judges scan ballots for tabulation, complete and reconcile batch reports, and box ballots and envelopes for secure storage. This role must have the ability to work independently and requires attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
The Ballot Accountant Election Judge maintains and audits the inventory of ballots in the scanning room and manages the workload of Ballot Scanning Election Judges.
The Ballot Boxer Election Judge collects, seals, and stores the boxes of envelopes and ballots that have been securely processed.
Watcher Liaison Election Judges verify the credentials of appointed Watchers and accompany Watchers as they observe election processes. This role fields any questions Watchers may have to provide information and answers from Elections staff.
The Poll Manager Election Judge oversees all activities and election judges at the VSPC. Leads the team in setting up, operating, and closing the VSPC daily. Assists voters, Watchers, media, and other visitors. Responsible for issuing Provisional and Statewide ballots, keeping an accurate log of spoiled and surrendered ballots, and reconciling all ballots daily with the VSPC Daily Voter Log and VSPC Signature Card reports from Computer Judges. Responsible for the location’s Douglas County cell phone and for verifying that all judges are clocking in and out. Poll Managers must know when to intervene and how to handle any situations that arise.
The Assistant Poll Manager Election Judge fills in where needed and oversees the VSPC in the absence of the Poll Manager. Assists voters, records wait times as required, and assists judges with any mistakes or technical difficulties. Assumes the role of Ballot Aide during busy periods to help maintain the flow of voters.
Computer Election Judges assist visitors to the VSPC with voter registration and updating existing voter registrations, verifying voter information in the secure statewide voter registration database, and issuing ballots. Responsible for balancing the Statement of Ballots with the VSPC Daily Voter Log and the VSPC Signature Cards multiple times throughout the day.
Voter Aide Election Judges assist voters as they enter the VSPC, assess voter needs, notify Poll Manager when Watchers or visitors enter the VSPC, check voter identification, distribute appropriate forms, and answer general questions. Voter Aides also assist with the setup and closing of the VSPC.
Watcher Liaison Election Judges verify the credentials of appointed Watchers and accompany Watchers as they observe election processes in the VSPC. This role fields any questions Watchers may have to provide information and answers from the Poll Manager and/or Elections staff.
