In celebration of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day on
Sept. 1st, the DuPage County Clerk’s office is enthusiastic to
announce that pay will double for election judges for the 2020 Presidential
Election.
Election judges working on Election Day will receive $130 in
base pay and another $130 as a COVID-19 supplement for a total of $260.
Election judges working during Early Voting will receive $10 per hour in base
pay and another $10 per hour as a COVID-19 supplement.
To apply to be an election judge or election worker, visit
the DuPage County Clerk Election website:
https://www.dupageco.org/Election/48695/
As part of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, the DuPage
County Clerk is also reporting that polling places will be equipped with
personal protective equipment, sanitation supplies, and social distancing
signage and floor markers.
In order to protect the health and safety of election
judges, DuPage County is implementing a new online judge training system to
allow judges to be trained from home rather than being required to do so in
person. This training covers a complete walk-through of procedures and process
from start to finish of Election Day.
Election judge pay increases, PPE and the online training
system for the Nov 3rd election will be paid for out of CARES Act
funding provided with the bipartisan support of the DuPage County Board.
While their specific duties vary, election judges are in
charge of setting up and preparing the polling place, welcoming voters,
verifying voter registrations and issuing ballots. Election judges also help
ensure voters understand the voting process by demonstrating how to use voting
equipment and explaining voting procedures.
Established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission,
National Poll Worker Recruitment Day aims to raise awareness about the benefits
and importance of poll working and inspire more Americans to volunteer.
“Poll workers are the unsung heroes of the democratic
process, and right now we’re facing a critical shortage of these dedicated
volunteers,” said EAC Chairman Ben Hovland. “Recruiting poll workers is a
challenge for many election officials across the country and the COVID-19
pandemic has made this need even more critical. We encourage Americans, who are
able and willing to serve, to sign up to help America vote and work the polls
on Election Day.”
Due to COVID-19, all 2020
General Election voters are encouraged to cast a ballot prior to Election Day,
either by mail or during early voting. Voting by mail is an easy option for
voters and you can request a Vote by Mail Ballot through email, mail, or in
person. An application is available from your local election authority or at https://elections.il.gov/electionoperations/VotingByMail.aspx. To register to vote or check your registration status,
visit https://ova.elections.il.gov.