The Bexar County Elections Department is in need of election judges and clerks. Many judges, whose average age is 73, are unable to do the job any more. Because of the shortage, almost a dozen polling sites were closed in the March primaries. The November General Election, which always draws the most voters of any election, will have the same issue if more judges and clerks are not added. Coming even sooner are two smaller elections – the May 4 municipal and school board election and the May 28 primary runoffs. They are perfect opportunities to get experience while the polling sites are not crowded.
The first step in becoming an election judge is to get certified by the Elections Department. It is holding 8-hour training/certification sessions for new election judges on May 7 and May 15. More will be scheduled closer to the November election. (Clerks are not required to have training, but classes designed for them are recommended.)
Being part of the election process is rewarding in itself, but you also get paid! Presiding judges earn $17/hour, alternate judges get $16/hour, and clerks receive $15/hour.
Go to https://www.bexar.org/2182/Apply-as-an-Election-Official to learn more and register for classes. For questions, email eltraining@bexar.org.
Though clerks must be registered to vote, students age 16-18 can also be paid clerks. For information, go to https://www.votetexas.gov/faq/student-election-clerks.html