Missoula County is anticipating a busy election year and with campaigning season in full swing and elections on the horizon, the county is looking for extra help. Elections Administrator Rebecca Connors said the county is recruiting up to 800 election judges, servicing 28 different polling locations

"We need—for polling locations—right around 500 or so election judges. Then at our election center on the fairgrounds, we utilize several different buildings on Election Day," Connors said. "We have a tabulation center, same-day voter registration center, and we need help with directing traffic, help assisting voters at our technicality center where we do all of our tabulations. That requires another 200 election judges for that location."

Connors said the biggest job for election judges is to make sure the entire process runs smoothly.

"We do a training this February where they would train them on all of the election laws so all of the election laws are followed on Election Day," Connors said. "Election judges are part of the process so it's a great educational opportunity for them to see the lifecycle of a ballot, to work with voters; It may be a voters first time voting and they may be able to share an experience with that person. It's a lot of fun."

Connors said training is held in Feb. at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. Those interested in applying can visit www.MissoulaElectionJudge.com and view the online class schedule as well as register. Applicants can also call 406-258-4751.