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1. Why do I need to note which party I am affiliated with on my application?

In order to comply with state law, no more than half of the workers in a polling place can be affiliated with one major political party. We use the information you provide to appoint election workers and ensure all of our polling places meet the party balance requirement.

To learn more, view the Minnesota state law on election judges.

2. Do I have to choose a political party affiliation?

If you are not affiliated with a major political party in Minnesota, you can indicate on your application that you are "not affiliated." Note that the city is required to first appoint those who have declared a political party affiliation. Additionally, serving without a party affiliation means that you cannot complete certain tasks on Election Day that are required by law to be performed by election workers of different major political parties. This includes assisting a voter in marking their ballot, emptying the ballot box, and conducting curbside voting.

Election judges who have declared they are unaffiliated may not assist with health care facility voting. Each pair assisting voters must declare a party so there can be two members of differing parties.

3. Do I have to register with the party I select?

No. Minnesota does not have a party registration system.

4. Do I have to vote for the political party I declare?

No. Your party affiliation selection applies only to your service on Election Day. Who you choose to vote for in each election is private and will remain a secret.

5. What if my party affiliation changes after I apply to be an election worker?

To update or change your party affiliation, contact the City Clerk by email or by phone at 651-638-2045. 

6. I am a student election worker. Can I list my party?

No. State law requires that 16 and 17 year old student election workers serve without party affiliation. If you are a student and 18 years old or older, you may serve as a regular election judge and declare a party.

7. Which political parties count towards party balance at a polling place?

There are currently four major political parties in Minnesota. These are the only parties that are recognized by state law related to party balance requirements at polling places and service as election judges. These political parties are:

• Democratic-Farmer-Labor
• Grassroots Legalize Cannabis
• Legal Marijuana Now
• Republican Party of Minnesota

Learn more about the major and minor parties in Minnesota.

8. Who will know the party I selected?

By law, your declared party affiliation is only able to be used by election officials (such as the city clerk) for the purposes of election administration. It is not subject to data requests and will only be known by elections staff and the lead election official (Head Judge) assigned to work at your polling place on Election Day.