judge of elections

     A judge of elections is the person who asks your name when you go to the polls to vote, and then checks for your name in the list of registered voters for that particular polling place. Elections can be very local--in cities and towns we have many voting districts, each of which may have different candidates running in elections for city council or other local offices. It is not just important to vote in your own district, and at your own polling place, it is required by law. You will not be permitted to vote anywhere else. The judge of elections will only have a list of voters for the polling place in which he or she is working. If it isn't your polling place, your name will not be on the list.
     Each polling place has at least two judges of elections--one from each party, to make sure that one party is not taking advantage of its position by turning away voters from the other party. If a judge of elections from each party is not present, they might have to close the polls at that particular voting site. These people are volunteers, so remember that next election day. And find out where your polling place is, if you don't already know.