Election Day Judges

Become a Judge of Election

 

Click here to apply online to serve as an Election Judge for the March 19, 2024 Presidential Primary Election!

Election Judges are paid to manage the precinct polling place and assist voters. Judges share these responsibilities:

  1.  Arrive at 5 a.m. on Election Day to set up equipment;
  2. Open the polls on time at 6 a.m. on Election Day;
  3. Issue the correct ballots to each voter and help voters with registration and other questions, from 6 a.m. through 7 p.m.
  4. Completing all reports after the polls close.

Click here to download the paper application to serve as an Election Judge for the March 19, 2024 Presidential Primary Election

 

Requirements to Serve as a Judge of Election

Judges of Election must meet all of the requirements listed in the application, including being:

  • a US citizen
  • a registered voter in Cook County (if 18 or older)
  • able to speak, read and write English

Please refer to the application for the full list of requirements and qualifications.

 

High School & College Student Judges of Election

Click here to apply to serve as a student judge of election for the March 19, 2024 Presidential Primary Election.

Qualifications for High School Student Judges

In order to qualify as a student judge, an applicant must:

  1. Live in Cook County;
  2. Be a Junior or Senior;
  3. Be a U.S. citizen;
  4. Be able to read, write, and speak English;
  5. Successfully complete the training program;
  6. Be able to work on Election Day beginning at 5 a.m. until all duties are completed after the polls close;
  7. Have the written approval of the student judge's parent or legal guardian; 
  8. Have written approval from the student judge’s school principal;
  9. Have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale; and
  10. Meet any other qualifications set by law.
Qualifications for College Student Judges

In order to qualify as a student judge, an applicant must:

  1. Attend a college or university in Cook County;
  2. Be a U.S. citizen;
  3. Be able to read, write, and speak English;
  4. Successfully complete the training program;
  5. Be able to work on Election Day beginning at 5 a.m. until all duties are completed after the polls close;
  6. Have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale; and
  7. Meet any other qualifications set by law.

 

Pay for Judges of Election

Election Judges can earn anywhere from $170 to $255.

Payment is based on completion of training and service on Election Day. Extra compensation also is paid to judges who:

  • Pick up the Election Judge key envelope the week before Election Day;
  • Allow the use of the judge's cell phone (by all judges within the polling place) on Election Day;
  • Return the election materials to a receiving station on election night (to be determined by all judges on Election Day.)
     

Judge of Election Handbook

2024 Judge of Election Handbook - Part 1

2024 Judge of Election Handbook - Part 2

NOTE: These documents are reference materials and are not a substitute for completing the official training.

Click here for the Board's Information Security Identity Protection Policy

 

Reference Videos

These videos are reference materials. These videos are not a substitute for the official training program.

Setting Up/Opening the Polls
Setting Up The Electronic Poll Book
Setting Up of All Voting Equipment
Accessibility in the Polling Place

During Voting Hours
Checking in Voters
Activating A Voter’s Card
Clearing Ballot Jams

Closing the Polls
Shutting Down the Touchscreen
Closing The Polls on the Ballot Scanner & Transmitting the Results
Completing Form 80, Certificate of Results

Video of Classroom Instruction: 1st Hour of 4
Video of Classroom Instruction: 2nd Hour of 4
Video of Classroom Instruction: 3rd Hour of 4
Video of Classroom Instruction: 4th Hour of 4

 

Contact Information for Judges Department

Attention: Judges Department
Chicago Election Board
69 W Washington St., Suite 600
Chicago IL 60602-3006
312-269-7984
[email protected]