With less than two months until Maryland’s 2026 primary election on June 23, Anne Arundel County is sounding the alarm: it needs 692 Republican residents to step forward as election judges, or the county risks falling short of state-mandated bipartisan representation at polling places. The call comes as the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections scrambles to fill a critical gap—one that could force the county to turn to Democratic and unaffiliated voters to fill Republican slots if enough Republicans do not apply by the May 23 deadline.
The stakes are high in Anne Arundel, a politically diverse county where elections are carefully balanced to reflect the community’s partisan mix. Maryland law requires that each polling place be staffed with a team of election judges representing both major parties, ensuring oversight and transparency in the voting process. Election judges are the backbone of Election Day operations, responsible for checking in voters, managing voting equipment, and enforcing election rules. Their role is essential not only for the smooth functioning of the election but also for maintaining public trust in the democratic process.
“Maintaining a fair election requires citizens from all backgrounds and parties to step up and participate,” said David Garreis, Anne Arundel County’s Election Director. “With 692 vacancies specifically for Republican judges, we are looking for dedicated individuals who want to ensure our elections are conducted with the highest level of oversight, and accuracy.” The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that the county currently has a surplus of Democratic and unaffiliated applicants, but a significant shortfall among Republicans. If the required number of Republican judges is not met, the Board of Elections will begin filling the remaining vacancies with applicants from other parties starting May 23.
The county’s 142 polling places must be fully staffed for the June primary, and each site relies on a balanced team of judges to uphold Maryland’s bipartisan requirements. Election judges serve a full 15-hour shift on Election Day, in addition to completing mandatory training before the election. While the role is demanding, it offers an opportunity for civic engagement and comes with financial compensation: chief judges earn $250, voting operation and provisional judges receive $175, and additional payments are available for training and setup duties, with the total potential earnings reaching $375.
Who Can Serve and How to Apply
To qualify as an election judge, applicants must be registered voters in Maryland, at least 16 years old (with parental permission if under 18), able to speak, read, and write English, and available to work the full Election Day shift. Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections website at aacounty.org/elections/election-judge or by emailing [email protected]. For more information, residents can contact the Election Judge Recruiting Department at 410-222-0494.
What Election Judges Do
Election judges play a critical role in ensuring that every voter can cast their ballot securely and efficiently. Their responsibilities include:
- Checking in voters and verifying their eligibility
- Assisting with voting equipment and troubleshooting technical issues
- Maintaining order and ensuring a fair and orderly voting environment
- Applying election laws uniformly and accurately
The position requires a commitment to public service, but it also offers a chance to be part of a process that shapes the future of local governance. For those interested in serving, the time to apply is now—before the May 23 deadline passes.
Why Bipartisan Representation Matters
Maryland’s election laws emphasize bipartisan representation to ensure that polling places are staffed by individuals from both major parties. This requirement is designed to promote transparency and fairness, giving voters confidence that the election process is being overseen impartially. In Anne Arundel County, where political leanings are evenly divided, the need for Republican judges is particularly acute. Without enough volunteers, the county risks violating state law and potentially undermining the integrity of the election.
“We want to ensure every precinct has the bipartisan oversight the law intends,” Garreis emphasized. “But we can only do that if Republican residents step forward before the May 23rd assignment deadline.”
Looking Ahead: Next Steps
The next critical checkpoint is May 23, when the Board of Elections will finalize assignments for the June 23 primary. If the required number of Republican judges is not secured by then, the county will begin filling the remaining positions with applicants from other parties. For those interested in serving, now is the time to apply and complete the mandatory training before the election.
As Anne Arundel County prepares for the 2026 primary, the call for Republican election judges serves as a reminder of the vital role that every citizen can play in safeguarding the democratic process. Whether you are a first-time volunteer or a seasoned election worker, your participation helps ensure that every vote is counted accurately and fairly.
Have you considered serving as an election judge? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below, or spread the word to others who may be interested in getting involved.
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