Become an Election Judge

To serve as an election judge for the Bloomington Election Commission, you must:

  • Be a registered voter in the City of Bloomington, or a qualified high school or college student.
  • Not be subject to the registration requirements of the Sex Offender Registration Act in Illinois.

How do I sign up to be an election judge?

If you would like to be an election judge, please read the brochure.

  • Please note on your calendar the date of the next election. You will receive a Notice to Serve about 60 days prior to Election Day.
  • Then you will be notified of any certification classes, online or other training or other opportunities to serve.

HOURS AND DUTIES

  • Work on Election Day from 5:15 a.m. until the election is over, perhaps until 9:00 p.m. or later.
  • Help with polling place set-up the night before the election.

TRAINING

  • Training is NOT required, but is very helpful to learn election laws and how to operate the equipment. Training is optional – your choice.
  • 4-hour certification training class as required by law is offered in even-numbered years. Only judges who complete the 4-hour classroom training are certified.
  • Online review programs may be available before each election.
  • Different pay rates may be given according to training completed.

COMPENSATION

  • The base rate of $150.00 is given for working in the polls on Election Day.  An additional $50 is added to the base rate for completing training.
  • There may be other jobs such as nursing home voting, polling place coordinator, early voting judge, or field representative, for additional pay.  Current pay rates for the other jobs is $12 per hour.

LOCATION

  • Election judges usually work in their own polling places.
  • HOWEVER, some judges may be asked to serve in a different polling place if there are openings in other areas.


Voters who live in McLean County outside the City of Bloomington should contact the McLean County Clerk for further information.