Judges of Election

• Be a citizen of the United States and entitled to vote at the next election.
• Be of good repute and character.
• Junior/Senior High School students who are in good standing or students enrolled in a public or private secondary school in Grundy County and live in Grundy County.
• 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.
• Not be a candidate for any office in the election and not be a precinct committeeman.
• Declare Party preference.a

• To open and close the polls
• To be responsible for all election materials
• To ensure that only qualified voters are permitted to vote and that each qualified voter is permitted to vote once and only once
• To ensure that all votes are cast in secret
• To give instruction in the method of voting when requested by a voter
• To give assistance to illiterate and physically disabled voters
• To maintain order in the polling place throughout the day
• Election Judges arrive at the polling location no later than 5:15 a.m. on election morning and stay until closing procedures are completed after the polls close at 7:00 p.m.

In the spring of even-numbered years, the Grundy County Board approves Election Judges from certified lists furnished by the Grundy County Central Committee Chairman for each party. All judges are either designated regular or alternate.

The lists are submitted to the Circuit Court. If no objections are filed, the Circuit Court confirms the appointment and the Election Judges are commissioned as Officers of the Court for two years. Individuals who are commissioned, are obligated to be available for each election during that 2 year period.

Election Judges represent the two major political parties. Individuals must declare a party (Democratic or Republican) in order to become a judge. The party which cast the highest average of votes, at the most recent, three gubernatorial elections in the precinct shall be represented by three judges; the party which casts the second highest number of votes, at the most recent, three gubernatorial elections in the precinct shall be represented by two judges.

Before each election, training classes are held, both in-person and on-line. The class covers the duties and responsibilities of election, overview and instruction of the equipment used during the election, update on laws passed. A test is given at the end of the class.

Illinois election law requires all Election Judges to attend training every two years in even-numbered years.

In Grundy County, Election Judges earn $140.00 for each election served. Judges who attend a training class and take the test, once every 2 years, receive an additional $40.00 for each election served.

Election Judges are paid within 1 month after the election. A W-2 form is not issued. It is the responsibility of each Election Judge to report the earnings based on IRS requirements.

Click here for the Election Judge Application

Yes. The Grundy County Clerk has an established program to permit a person who is not entitled to vote to serve as an election judge. The individual must meet the following requirements:

• Is a citizen of the United States
• Is a junior or senior in good standing enrolled in a public or private secondary school; has the written approval of both the principal and a parent or legal guardian
• Has a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Has satisfactorily completed the training course for judges of election
• Meets all other qualifications for appointment and service as an Election Judge
• Be able to work on Election Day beginning at 5:00 am through the close of polls close and when all duties are completed

If you are interested in acquiring a lifelong appreciation of the electoral process and wish to serve as a student election download, complete and return the application to the Grundy County Clerk’s Office.

Click here for the Student Election Judge Application