Election Day Judges | Chicago Board of Elections

Become a Judge of Election

Click here to apply online to serve as an Election Judge for the November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election!

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

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

Click here for the Paper Application to serve as a Judge of Election – May 2024 to April 2026

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 High School Student Judge, an applicant must:

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

Qualifications for College Student Judges

In order to qualify as a College Student Judge, an applicant must:

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

Pay for Judges of Election

Election Judges can earn anywhere from $170 to $230.

Payment is based on completion of training and service on Election Day. Election Judges must submit a tax form in order to receive compensation for serving 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.)