EDWARDSVILLE – In recognition of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day on August 11, Madison County Clerk Linda Andreas is encouraging residents to consider serving their community as Election Judges for the upcoming November General Election.
Madison County currently has approximately 700 Election Judges in its pool, but additional judges are needed—particularly individuals who can serve as Republican Election Judges.
Illinois election law provides for bipartisan staffing of polling places, with Election Judges selected from the two leading political parties. For a five-judge precinct, no more than three judges may be from the same political party.
“Our Election Judges are truly the front line of Election Day,” Andreas said. “They greet voters, help ensure election laws and procedures are followed, and work side by side with judges from the other political party to provide a fair and orderly voting process.”
While Madison County has a strong pool of Democratic Election Judges, the Clerk’s Office currently needs additional Republican Election Judges to maintain appropriate bipartisan staffing throughout the county.
“We want to be very clear that this is not about campaigning for one political party over another,” Andreas said. “Illinois elections are intentionally structured to include representatives of both major political parties in our polling places. Right now, our greatest staffing need is on the Republican side.”
Andreas said having an adequate number of trained judges from both parties is an important part of maintaining voter confidence.
“Bipartisan participation provides another layer of transparency,” said Andreas. “Republican and Democratic Election Judges work together throughout Election Day. That system allows voters to know that people from both parties are present and participating in the process.”
Election Judges receive training before Election Day and are compensated for their service. Judges assist with opening the polling place, checking in and assisting voters, following election procedures, helping maintain the integrity of the polling place and completing Election Day closing procedures.
Andreas also encouraged younger residents first-time Election Judges to consider participating.
“You do not have to be an election expert when you sign up,” Andreas said. “We provide the training. What we need are dependable people who are willing to learn, serve their community and be part of the election process.”
Residents interested in becoming an Election Judge should contact the Madison County Clerk’s Office for information about qualifications, training and how to apply. Or use this link: https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/county_clerk/elections/election_judges.php
“Serving as an Election Judge is one of the best ways to see firsthand how elections actually work,” Andreas said. “If you have ever wondered what happens inside a polling place on Election Day, we invite you to become part of the process.”
REPUBLICAN ELECTION JUDGES ESPECIALLY NEEDED
Help serve your community. Help staff our polling places. Help protect the bipartisan election process.
