Become an Election Judge
Judges of election are responsible for the administration of
election procedures in the polling place on Election Day.
They are in the position of ensuring the election process is
administered fairly and in accordance with election laws.
Download the Election Judge Registration
Application
What are the qualifications to be a judge of
election?
- Be a citizen of the United States;
- Be of good repute and character;
- Be able to speak, read and write the English language;
- Be skilled in the four fundamental rules of
mathematics;
- Be of good understanding and capable;
- Be a resident of and be registered to vote in Winnebago County;
and
- Be responsible for your transportation to and from the polling
place you have been scheduled to work.
How are judges of election selected?
Judges of election are selected by the Board of Election
Commissioners and are approved by their party. For each
polling place, three are appointed from one of the major parties
and two from the other major party.
Every even numbered, after selections are made, a report is
filed in the circuit court and application is made for the election
judges' confirmations and appointments by the circuit court.
As vacancies occur, the Board of Election Commissioners is
responsible for filling them with a voter of the same political
party.
Do judges of election receive compensation?
Yes, judges of election receive a base pay of $105.00 per
election served. Those who attend a certification training
session, study their manual and take a test will receive $145.00
per election.
One judge from every polling place is asked to pick up supplies,
arrange a time to set up the polling place, call the judges in
his/her precinct, and set up the polling place Monday before the
election. This judge will receive additional money for that
election. Another judge is asked to assist the pickup judge
in setting up the polling place and will, also, receive additional
money for that election.
How are judges of election trained?
The Board of Election conducts training sessions every even
numbered year, at which time each judge receives
certification. Classes are also given prior to most elections
for new judges.
This required course covers the duties and responsibilities of
election judges and consists of at least four hours of class
instruction, home study of the Judges' Manual and an
examination.