FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Cook County Clerk David Orr is looking to recruit hundreds of new election judges needed to work during the Nov. 7, 2006 general election.
“It is critical that we have a full complement of election judges to make sure that the election is carried out fairly, honestly, and accurately,” Orr said. “Having enough judges also helps Election Day run more smoothly.”
More than 12,000 Democratic and Republican election judges are needed to fully staff the 2,370 precincts in suburban Cook County every election. Ideally, five judges work in each precinct.
Election judges open polling places, certify that voters are registered and qualified to vote, explain election procedures, issue ballots and activate cards for touch screens, operate election equipment, and transmit the votes at the end of the day.
Election judges receive $150 for their work. That includes $100 for working Election Day and $50 for attending a three-hour training session prior to the election. Judges begin work at 5:15 a.m. and work until the polling place votes are transmitted after the polls close at 7 p.m.
To qualify as an election judge, you must be a registered voter and live in Cook County. People interested in serving on Election Day can call (312) 603-0970 to sign up or by completing an online application at the voterinfonet.com election judge page.