Maryland Will Recruit Election Staff for 2026 General Election

The state is seeking election judges and student pages to assist voters for the upcoming November election.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Elections

Isometric editorial illustration of a metal ballot box on a stone pedestal, representing the election staffing process in Maryland. — Maryland officials have launched a statewide recruitment campaign for election judges and student pages ahead of the November 2026 general election. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you volunteer your time to serve as a local election judge or poll worker?

Maryland is currently recruiting workers to serve as election judges and election day pages for the general election on November 3, 2026. These roles are critical for supporting the democratic process across the state.

Why it matters

The recruitment effort ensures that polling locations are adequately staffed and operational, providing a smooth experience for all residents casting their ballots. This initiative encourages civic participation across various age groups in Maryland.

Election judges will receive $250 per day, with returning staff eligible for an additional $100 bonus. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to serve as judges, while students aged 14 or 15 can participate as election day pages.

The players

Maryland State Board of Elections

This is the state agency responsible for overseeing the administration of elections and managing the recruitment of poll workers in Maryland.

The details

No prior experience is required to serve as an election judge, as the state provides full training for all new staff members. Younger residents serving as election day pages may earn service-learning credit hours for their work on election day.

The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents of state-led recruitment drives often argue that volunteer-based systems may suffer from inconsistent training standards compared to professionalized election administration. Critics may point to the need for more robust, standardized oversight to ensure that non-partisan election integrity remains a priority during high-turnout cycles.

Residents interested in civic involvement can apply through the Maryland State Board of Elections to earn compensation or service-learning credit hours. For voters, this recruitment effort aims to minimize wait times and ensure that polling places are fully staffed and functional on election day.

The takeaway

Participating as an election judge or page offers a direct way to support the local democratic process while gaining valuable experience. Interested individuals should visit the official board website to review eligibility requirements and complete their applications.