Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, each local board shall provide at least four election judges to be the staff for each polling place. In a precinct with fewer than 200 registered voters, the local board may provide two election judges for that precinct’s polling place. An election judge shall be appointed in accordance with the requirements of § 10–203 of this subtitle. Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, to the extent practicable, each polling place shall have an equal number of election judges, including chief judges designated under § 10–203 of this subtitle, from: the majority party; and the principal minority party. If the total number of election judges for a precinct is six or more: a local board may provide one or more election judges who are not registered with either the majority party or principal minority political party; and a local board may provide one or more election judges who are minors. This paragraph applies if an election director is unable to designate chief judges for a polling place at least 45 days before the start of early voting. If an election director designating two chief judges for a polling place under § 10–203 of this subtitle is unable to designate the chief judges in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, an election director shall designate: one chief judge from the majority party or the principal minority political party; and one chief judge who is not registered with either the majority party or the principal minority political party.

The State Board shall develop and implement a marketing campaign to recruit individuals to serve as election judges in polling places in the State. The marketing campaign shall: disseminate information on the importance of election judges; disseminate information on how to apply to be an election judge, eligibility requirements, and compensation; and target diverse voter populations, including multilingual individuals. A local board may supplement the marketing campaign implemented by the State Board under subsection (a) of this section.

Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an election judge shall be a registered voter who resides in the county for which the election judge is appointed. If a qualified individual residing in the county cannot be found with reasonable effort, the local board may appoint a registered voter residing in any part of the State. Subject to the provisions of § 3–210(c) of the Labor and Employment Article, a minor who is at least 16 years old and who is a registered voter may be appointed and serve as an election judge. An election judge shall be able to speak, read, and write the English language. An election judge may not engage in any partisan or political activity that is proscribed by § 2–301 of this article. A State or county employee who serves as an election judge during hours that the employee is otherwise scheduled to work for the State or county shall receive: 1 hour of administrative leave for each hour of service as an election judge, up to a total of 8 hours for each day of service; and the election judge compensation as specified in § 10–205 of this subtitle. Subject to subsection (f) of this section, a local board may adopt guidelines consistent with the provisions of this title for the determination of the qualifications of persons considered for appointment and for the process of appointment as election judges. To the extent not inconsistent with this subtitle, the guidelines adopted under paragraph (1) of this subsection may provide for the appointment of an election judge, other than the chief judge, to serve for less than a full day and for the judge to be compensated, on a pro rata basis, in accordance with the fees set under § 10–205 of this subtitle for a judge serving a full day. The State Board shall adopt regulations to standardize and minimize forms or documentation required to: apply to serve as an election judge; serve as an election judge; or receive compensation for service as an election judge. A local board or county government may not require additional forms or documentation for election judges or prospective election judges in excess of the forms or documentation required in regulations adopted under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

The election director, with the approval of the local board, shall appoint the election judges for each polling place for a term that begins on the Tuesday that is 13 weeks before each statewide primary election. One or two election judges in each precinct shall: be designated chief judge; and supervise the staff at the polling place. The term of office for an election judge continues until the Tuesday that is 13 weeks before the next statewide primary election unless: the local board excuses the person for good cause; or a special election is held during the election judge’s term of office and the State Board determines that a local board may not need the service of all of the appointed election judges. A local board shall fill each vacant election judge position in the same manner as set forth in subsection (a) of this section.

Each election judge shall take and subscribe to a written oath prescribed in Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution. The signed oath, when returned to the local board, shall constitute the commission of office for the election judge. The State Board shall prescribe a form for the combined oath and commission required under this section.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Compensation” includes stipends for transportation, training, and bonus payments. “Returning election judge” means an election judge who has served a term of office for the immediately preceding statewide election. The county governing body shall provide sufficient funding to meet the minimum compensation levels required under this section. Within the limits authorized by the county governing body, a local board may fix the compensation of election judges above the minimum compensation levels required under this section. A local board shall pay an election judge for: subject to paragraph (4)(ii) of this subsection, each course of instruction required under § 10–206(g)(1) of this subtitle that the election judge completes; and each election day and each early voting day that the election judge actually serves. For each election judge who is not a returning election judge, the compensation for each election day and each early voting day actually served shall be at least $250 per day. For each returning election judge, the compensation for each election day and each early voting day actually served shall be at least $100 more per day than the compensation provided to an election judge who is not a returning election judge. The compensation for each completed course of instruction required under § 10–206(g)(1) of this subtitle shall be at least $50. A local board shall pay an election judge the compensation required under paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection only after the election judge actually serves an election day or early voting day. The State Board shall reimburse each local board for $50 of the additional compensation required under subsection (b)(3)(ii) of this section that is paid to each returning election judge. For service as an election judge, a public school student in the State may: earn hours toward the service–learning requirement for graduation under COMAR 13A.03.02.05; or receive the election judge compensation under this section.

In consultation with the local boards, the State Board shall: develop a program of instruction of election judges; and oversee the implementation of the program of instruction. The training materials utilized by the program may include: an instruction manual and other written directives; curriculum for training sessions; and audiovisuals. The State Board shall develop a process for the evaluation of the training program and the performance of the polling place staff in each county. To the extent appropriate, the training program shall be specific to each of the voting systems used in polling places in the State. The State Board shall provide election judges with uniform statewide training on the voting system, including: all features of the voting system that provide access to voters with disabilities; and the rights of voters with disabilities, including those rights guaranteed by State and federal law. Each local board shall conduct election judge training based on the program developed by the State Board. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, each election judge shall participate in the training program provided for in subsection (a) of this section. An election judge who is appointed under emergency circumstances is not required to attend the course of instruction.

A local board shall investigate promptly each complaint it receives regarding the fitness, qualification, or performance of an individual appointed to be an election judge. A local board shall remove any election judge who is unfit or incompetent for the office.