Become a Judge of Election
Qualifications:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a registered voter in DuPage County
- be of good repute and character
- be able to speak, read and write the English language
- be skilled in the four fundamental rules of arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division)
- be of good understanding and capable
A candidate (on the ballot) or valid write-in candidate is not eligible to be a Judge.
An elected precinct committeeman is not eligible to be a Judge.
Illinois Statutes require bipartisan representation in the polling place. An individual must declare the party he/she wishes to represent.
Instruction and Training
Illinois Statutes require Judges' to complete training courses and pass a written examination in each two-year appointment period. A school of instruction and training session is conducted for this purpose. Prospective judges of election will receive
a handbook and a home study review test prior to the school of instruction. All Judges must attend and satisfactorily complete the course or complete the online training & testing offered before each election in order to receive extra compensation
for each election served. The online training is only accessible to Judges who have been assigned to work and will require login credentials.
Duties of a Judge of Election
Once appointed and confirmed by the Circuit Court, a Judge becomes a deputy of the Court and is obligated to serve for the full two-year period of appointment.
Judges should not allow any interference with the performance of their duties.
All Judges' are equal in authority, regardless of length of service. All decisions regarding challenges to a voter's qualifications must be made by a majority vote of the Judges. Judges should rotate the various duties during Election Day.
Commitment
Judges are expected to report to the polling place by 5:00 a.m. election morning and be prepared to remain in the polling place for approximately two hours after the 7:00 p.m. close of the polls.
Salary
Base pay for a Judge is $130 for Election Day.
A Judge who has completed the school of instruction and testing will receive an additional $30 compensation.
In addition, the Judges who pick up the election supplies and return them at the conclusion
of Election Day will receive additional compensation.
Healthcare Judges
Are certified Judges who go to State certified healthcare facilities on the Saturday prior to Election Day to assist in voting of healthcare facility residents who are enrolled in the Healthcare Program. Usually two Judges (one from each major party)
assist voters at a facility to cast their ballot.
Healthcare Judges receive a flat fee of $40.00 (plus mileage to those Judges who return supplies to the Election Division).
For more information, contact Kathy Vana or see the Judge's FAQ's.