Nodaway County Clerk calls for Primary Election back-up judges

NODAWAY COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Nodaway County Clerk said the county is in need of backup judges for the upcoming Primary Election on Aug 4.

Some qualifications to be a judge are: must be a registered voter of Missouri, 18 or older, able to bend and lift equipment, sit for long periods of time and must be able to commit a full day (5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.).

The county is currently conducting training classes, and anyone interested is invited to start right away.

Nodaway County has 17 polling precincts plus a Central precinct on Election Day. In federal elections, the county must have four election judges per precinct (2 Democrats and 2 Republicans).

Depending on the election, some of the larger precincts require six to ten workers.

"We actually battle this issue each election, as do many counties.  Not enough of one party or the other to fill the seats to have the bi-partisan teams," Nodaway County Clerk Melinda Patton said. "We have some dedicated individuals that work all of our elections.  However, some of those folks are 'retiring,' and we need to fill their spots.  Also, August can be tough, as people are trying to get their vacations in before school starts; it's dead week for sports, etc.  Life is busy and constantly changing for people, so we run into this issue each election, not just the Federal elections."

To sign up for the position, email nodawaycom@gmail.com or visit in person at the administration building, located at 403 N. Market St.