Election Day Judges

Become a Judge of 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.

 

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

 

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]