How Do I Become an Election Judge in Illinois?

Illinois election judges work on election days.

The State of Illinois uses election judges to oversee procedures at polling places on election days. These state officials are charged with ensuring proper election processes are followed during election days, and that polling places operate as required by the law. The state also sets the requirements for who can apply for these jobs, and how they must do it.

Instructions

1. Meet the requirements. To be considered as an election judge in the state of Illinois, a person must first meet several requirements. These requirements are: be a citizen of the United States, be of good repute and character, be able to speak, read, and write the English language, be skilled fundamental mathematics, be of good understanding and capable, and reside in and be entitled to vote in the precinct where you are selected to judge. Further, you cannot be a candidate for any office in the election, nor can you be an elected committee-person.

2. Contact the clerk of the Board of Election Commissioners. If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for a job as an election judge. You'll have to contact the clerk first and express your desire to serve as a judge. The clerk will then tell you what additional steps you must take, or what forms you need to fill out.

3. Be selected by the County Board, or the Board of Election Commissioners. Each poling place has three election judges from one party, and two from the another. The disparity between the number of judges from each party is based either on which party received the highest number of votes in the most recent three gubernatorial elections, or on an alternating basis.

4. Train as an elections judge. Once elected to the position, you'll have to complete judge training. This course covers the duties required by judges and consists of at least four hours of instruction, as well as an exam that tests reading skills, math skills and knowledge of election and polling place laws. Once completed, you will be able to serve as an election judge.

References

• Illinois State Board of Elections: "Election Judges"
• Cook County Clerk: "Election Judges (Poll Workers)"