MO SB609

Election judges shall be appointed by election authorities and may be selected at random from voter registrations, considering party affiliation, geographic location, demographics, and relevant skills to ensure nondiscrimination in community representation.

In primary and general elections, election authorities must appoint at least two judges from each major political party at each polling place with no party having a majority; in other elections, at least one judge from each major political party is required.

Election judges appointed for two-year terms may serve in no more than five elections during that term and must be selected and appointed at least fifteen days before an election.

Refusal to serve as an appointed election judge without excuse is a Class C misdemeanor; failure to serve the appointed term without valid reason is a Class B misdemeanor.

Employers may not terminate, discipline, or take adverse action against employees serving as election judges except for reducing pay by hourly compensation; threatening or coercing employees to prevent service is a Class B misdemeanor and actual termination for this reason is a Class D felony.