Thank you for your interest in becoming an election judge. Election judges help to guarantee the rights of voters are protected at the polling places on Election Day. Election judges are commissioned as officers of the Circuit court and must take an oath to uphold the constitutions of the United States and the State of Illinois in the performance of their duties. Election judges ensure every American qualified to vote is allowed to vote and every American allowed to vote is qualified to vote only once. The following points out the qualifications necessary to become an election judge, also some of their important duties and responsibilities.
Sincerely,
Amanda Barnes, Williamson County Clerk
Election Judge FAQ
Upcoming Elections:
- November 5, 2024 General Election
- April 1, 2025 Consolidated Election
- March 17, 2026 Primary Election
How do I qualify to be an Election Judge?
To be an Election Judge you must be:
- A citizen of the United States
- Active registered voter in Williamson County
- Be able to sit and/or stand for an extended period of time
- Must declare affiliation with a major political party
- Of good repute and character
- Able to speak, read and write the English
- Skilled in the four fundamental rules (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) of arithmetic
- Of good understanding and capable to perform his/her duties
- Neither a candidate for any office at the election nor a precinct committeeperson
Student Election Judges:
High school students may qualify to be an Election Judge if they:
- Are a high school junior or senior in good standing
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be able to read, write and speak English
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
- Obtain written approval from principal, teacher, and parent
- Successfully complete the training program
- Meet all other qualifications set by law
Is there training for being an election judge?
Training is offered before each election. Election judges have many responsibilities and perform several tasks on Election Day, including:
- Arriving at 5:00 am on Election to set up equipment and the polling place
- Open the polling place on time at 6:00 am
- Issue the correct ballots to each voter
- Providing assistance to voters
- Signing in voters
- Verifying voter qualifications
- Operating voting equipment
- Filling out forms
- Closing the polling place at 7:00 pm
- Processing and transmitting votes at the end of the day
- Certifying vote totals
Are election judges paid?
Trained Election Judges receive $200 for the day. Pay checks are printed and mailed 2 to 4 weeks after election day.
What hours do Election Judges work?
Judges arrive at their assigned voting site by 5:00 am and remain until all closing tasks are completed after the polls close at 7:00 pm. There are no partial or half-day work options.
How are election judges selected?
In the spring of even-numbered years, the County Board approves judges from certified lists furnished by the Williamson County Central Committee Chairman for each party. All judges are designated as either Regular or Alternate. For each polling place three judges are appointed from one party and two from the other.
In Williamson County, which is under the jurisdiction of the County Clerk, the party which casts the highest average number of votes in the three most recent gubernatorial election in the precinct shall be represented by three judges; the party which cast the second highest number of votes at the three most recent gubernatorial elections in the precinct shall be represented by two judges. After selections are made, the lists are submitted to the Circuit Court for comment. If no objections are filed, an application is made for their commissioning to serve as an election judge for a two year term.
How will I know if I am to serve?
Judges are sent a letter prior to each election to see if they are available to work.
Can I vote on Election Day?
Election Judges are strongly encouraged to either vote early or by mail.
Are meals provided?
Election judges are responsible for their own meals. Some polling sites have been known to plan collectively.
For more information, or to become an election judge please call Jessica at (618) 998-2112 or via e-mail at jholmes@williamsoncountyil.gov.
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