Become a 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.

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 parties.

Every two years, after selections are made, a report is filed in the circuit court and application is made for their confirmation and appointment 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 $85.00 per election served.  Those who attend a training session, study their manual and take a test will receive $40.00 more for each election worked. That is $125 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 will receive $20.00 more for that election.  One judge from the other precinct in the polling place is asked to assist the pick up judge in setting up the polling place, calls the judges in his/her precinct and will receive $15.00 more for that election. 

How are judges of election trained?

The Board of Election conducts training sessions every two years during the certification period.  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 Judge's Manual and an examination.