Cambridge, MD (September 9, 2024) – The City of Cambridge is holding a general election to fill terms for all five election districts and an at-large mayor. The election has been set for Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 447 Race Street, Cambridge MD 21613.
Under the City’s Charter, the City Manager serves as the Supervisor of Elections. To assist with this role, the City needs citizens willing to serve two crucial election functions: Judges of Election and Clerks of Election. Both roles are paid a flat stipend of $200 upon completion of the election. Service in these roles will require a small commitment of time leading up to October 19, and 14 to 16 hours on June 6th itself. These roles are crucial to ensuring this upcoming election is free and open and that the public has complete confidence in the electoral process. It is also possible that a runoff election will be held on December 3 and the judges and clerks will be asked to serve on this date too, if necessary. A second $200 stipend will be paid if a runoff election proves necessary.
Under the City’s Charter, the Supervisor of Elections recommends the appointment of judges and clerks for the election to the Commissioners of Cambridge. The Commissioners must confirm these appointments. The appointment by the Commissioners of Cambridge will occur on Monday, September 23 at 6 p.m.
If you are interested in volunteering for either role, please contact the Assistant City Manager by noon on Wednesday, September 18 . You can state your interest in an email to bhesson@ChooseCambridge.com.
Election Judges: Election judges shall, immediately after the polls are closed, count the ballots and certify the election results. All judges of election shall comply with the policies and regulations as approved and adopted by the Supervisor of Elections relating to the canvassing, counting, tabulating and reporting of votes and ballots. This role requires the taking of an oath that he or she will, well and faithfully, without fear or favor, partiality or prejudice, perform the duties of judge. This includes depositing and accounting for all legal ballots in the ballot box, or within the voting machine, and no other ballot, and that he or she will make out and sign correct returns of the votes cast for each candidate and of the whole number of votes cast at said election. In other words, the Judges of the Elections ensure that all valid votes are counted.
Election Clerks: Election clerks are charged with tallying the votes cast for each candidate. This role requires the taking of an oath that he or she will, well and faithfully, without fear or favor, partiality or prejudice, perform the duties of clerk. This role will be assisted by the City of Cambridge’s consultants, True Ballot, Inc. Nevertheless, this is a vital role to ensure public confidence in the electoral process. In other words, the election clerks ensure valid votes are counted.