Election Judges help guarantee the rights of voters are protected on Election Day. This page details the qualifications necessary to become an election judge and also some of the important duties and responsibilities.
Online Training for Macoupin Election Judges
What are Election Judges?
Election Judges are responsible for the administration of election procedures in the polling place on Election Day.
What are the qualifications necessary to be an Election Judge?
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Be of good repute and character.
- Be able to speak, read and write the English language.
- Be of good understanding and capable.
- Not be a candidate for any office in the election and not be elected committeeman.
- Need to be registered to vote in the county.
- Each Election Judge is required to declare their party preference so they can be assigned accordingly. (See how are judges selected below.)
How are judges selected?
Election Judges are chosen by the County Clerk and by the Party Precinct Committeemen. The party which cast the highest average number of votes at the most recent three gubernatorial elections in the precinct will be represented by three judges; the party which casts the second highest number of votes at the most recent three gubernatorial elections in the precinct will be represented by two judges.
How are Election Judges trained?
Before each election several election judge training schools will be held. This course covers the duties and responsibilities of election judges and an examination which tests reading skills, ability to work with poll lists, ability to add and knowledge of election laws governing the operation of polling places is given before each election.
What are Election Judges paid?
Judges who have attended and completed the class will receive $220.00 for their duties on Election Day. Judges who have not attended and completed the class will receive $190.00 for their duties on Election Day.
What are some of the duties of the Election Judges?
- Open and close the polls;
- Be responsible for all election materials;
- Ensure that only qualified voters are permitted to vote and that each qualified voter is permitted to vote once and only once;
- Give instructions in the method of voting when requested by a voter;
- Give assistance to illiterate and physically disabled voters;
- Maintain order in the polling place throughout the day;
- Tally the vote after the polls are closed; and to certify the election results in that precinct.
How may I become an Election Judge?
Contact the County Clerks Office by calling (217) 854-3214, emailing [email protected] or using the Democracy MVP sign up page and express your interest in serving as an Election Judge. Election Judges are vital to the conduct of efficient and honest elections to which voters are entitled.