Chicago Board of Elections CMS serving as a judge of election

What is a Judge of Election?

Click here to apply online to serve as an Election Judge for the March 19, 2024 Presidential Primary Election!

Judges of Election are paid to manage the precinct polling place and assist voters. The job is challenging and rewarding.

Judges share these responsibilities:

(1) Arrive at 5 a.m. on Election Day to set up equipment;
(2) Open the polls on time at 6 a.m. on Election Day;
(3) Issue the correct ballots to each voter and help voters with registration and other questions, from 6 a.m. through 7 p.m.
(4) Completing all reports after the polls close.

Click here to download a paper version of the Application to Serve as a Judge of Election – July 2022 to April 2024

Judge of Election Handbook
2023 Judge of Election Handbook

NOTE: These documents are reference materials, and are not a substitute for completing the official training.

Requirements to Serve as a Judge of Election

Judges of Election must meet all of the requirements listed in the application, including being:
- a US citizen
- a registered voter in Cook County (if 18 or older)
- able to speak, read and write English
Please refer to the application for the full list of requirements and qualifications.

Training Requirements for Judges of Election

All Election Judges are required to complete in-person training, per the Illinois Election Code.

Pay for Judges of Election

Election Judge pay will be $255 for returning Judges who completed full credit training between November 2022 and April 2023, will attend a refresher in-person training class for the March 19, 2024 Primary Election and serve successfully on Election Day; $230 for new Judges who attend an in-person full credit training class or returning Judges that did not complete full credit training between November 2022 and April 2023 and serve successfully on Election Day; and $170 for Judges who serve successfully on Election Day without attending the in-person training class.

Payment is based on completion of training and service on Election Day. Extra compensation also is paid to judges who:
- Pick up the Election Judge key envelope the week before Election Day;
- Allow the use of the judge's cell phone (by all judges within the polling place) on Election Day;
- Return the election materials to a receiving station on election night (to be determined by all judges on Election Day.)
- Serve additional days in Vote By Mail ballot processing, nursing-home voting or in post-election counting activities at the Board's offices or warehouse.

Taxes and Withholding

Income earned by election judges and other election workers is subject to federal income tax; however, such income is not subject to income tax withholding. Those few election judges and election workers who earn $600 or more in any calendar year for multiple election assignments will receive an IRS Form 1099 at the end of the year. Election judges and election workers who also are employed by the City of Chicago or the County of Cook will receive a Form 1099 that will include income earned for election duties even if less than $600 annually. All individuals who may be eligible to receive a Form 1099 must complete an IRS Form W-9 and submit the completed W-9 to the Board.

High School & College Student Judges of Election

Click here to apply to serve as a student judge of election for the March 19, 2024 Presidential Primary Election.

Qualifications for HIGH SCHOOL Student Judges

In order to qualify as a student judge, an applicant must:

1. Live in Cook County;

2. Be a Junior or Senior;

3. Be a U.S. citizen;

4. Be able to read, write, and speak English;

5. Successfully complete the training program;

6. Be able to work on Election Day beginning at 5 a.m. until all duties are completed after the polls close;

7. Have the written approval of the student judge's parent or legal guardian;

8. Have written approval from the student judge’s school principal;

9. Have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale; and

10. Meet any other qualifications set by law.

Qualifications for COLLEGE Student Judges

In order to qualify as a student judge, an applicant must:

1. Attend a college or university in Cook County;

2. Be a U.S. citizen;

3. Be able to read, write, and speak English;

4. Successfully complete the training program;

5. Be able to work on Election Day beginning at 5 a.m. until all duties are completed after the polls close;

6. Have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale; and

7. Meet any other qualifications set by law.

Instruction and Training

State election law requires Judges of Election to complete training, as well as receive extra compensation when serving on Election Day.

Reference Videos
These videos are reference materials.These videos are not a substitute for the official training program.

Setting Up/Opening the Polls
Setting Up The Electronic Poll Book
Setting Up of All Voting Equipment
Accessibility in the Polling Place

During Voting Hours
Checking in Voters
Activating A Voter’s Card

Clearing Ballot Jams

Closing the Polls
Shutting Down the Touchscreen
Closing The Polls on the Ballot Scanner & Transmitting the Results
Completing Form 80, Certificate of Results

Video of Classroom Instruction: 1st Hour of 4
Video of Classroom Instruction: 2nd Hour of 4
Video of Classroom Instruction: 3rd Hour of 4
Video of Classroom Instruction: 4th Hour of 4

Contact Information for Judges Department

Attention: Judges Department
Chicago Election Board
69 W Washington St., Suite 600
Chicago IL 60602-3006
312-269-7984

[email protected]