The present invention is an imaging element which includes a support, an image forming layer superposed on the support; and an antistatic layer superposed on the support. The antistatic layer includes electrically conductive particles at a 10-60 volume percent and microgel particles. The microgel particles are composed of 25 to about 80 weight percent of an oleophilic monomer, 5 to about 45 weight percent of a hydrophilic monomer, and 0 to 20 weight percent of a crosslinking monomer having at least two addition polymerizable groups. In an alternative embodiment the antistatic layer also includes a binder.