Missouri law requires party representatives to be involved in the process. These representatives are trained as to lawful procedures and help the local election authority conduct the election. On election day, opposing party representatives not only carry out their duties, but carefully watch the actions of the other party s representatives, thus reassuring the general public that the likelihood of inappropriate activities are reduced. This system provides a vital check in our process and works well when both parties are fully engaged in providing the local election authority with qualified representatives in accordance with Missouri law. The job of election judge is not an easy one.
Judges often work more than thirteen hours straight overseeing the casting and tabulation of votes.
The need for accuracy and integrity creates stress, which is only compounded by voter confusion and frustration at the polls. Yet, compensation for election judges is at minimum levels. Third parties have sprung up and are attracting growing pools of active voters. Increasing demands on individual time from career and family, inadequate pay and the erosion of party strength all work to shrink the pool from which qualified election judges can be drawn. Local election authorities are experiencing difficulty in identifying and attracting individuals qualified to serve as judges.