The Blue Earth County Elections Office Recognizes Help America Vote Day

As the 2026 election season begins, the Blue Earth County Elections Office is recognizing Help America Vote Day on January 27, 2026.  This Day is a national day of action established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to encourage people to help America vote by signing up to be a poll worker, also known as election judge.

The goal of Help America Vote Day, as well as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day in August, is to address the critical shortage of election judges, strengthen our democracy, and inspire greater civic engagement and volunteerism.

Election judges are an integral part of the election process. Signing up is one of the most meaningful ways that Americans can do their part to serve their communities. In 2024, Blue Earth County had over 300 elections judges at 24 voting locations. We are excited to recognize Help America Vote Day to help kick-off our recruitment efforts.

Blue Earth County encourages more people to become election judges and be the face of elections in their communities. Any Minnesota resident who is at least 16 years old can file an application to become an election judge. Some of the many duties include setting up and tearing down a polling location, greeting and registering voters, demonstrating how to vote and providing ballots, overseeing ballot-counting machines, assisting voters as needed, and compiling precinct voter statistics at the end of the day. Election judges will work either full or part days on Tuesday, August 11 and Tuesday, November 3, with additional days leading up to the election possible.

Election judges are overseen and supported by local election officials, who also provide training in advance of Election Day. Election judges receive compensation for their service and their training time.

While January 27, 2026 has been dubbed National Help America Vote Day, Blue Earth County is always seeking election judges. If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more or wishes to fill out an application, visit www.blueearthcountymn.gov/elections or call (507) 304-4341.

For more information on this media release, contact Property and Environmental Resources at (507) 304-4251.