Juniors and Seniors Can Apply to Be a Student Election Judge by September 24th
By: Leonardo VIllalobos for The Signature
September 16, 2024
Hundreds of students will be working the polls for the November elections. Juniors or seniors can apply for this paid role at the chicagoelections.gov website. The application closes on September 24th, and the school principal consent is due on October 1st.
WBEZChicago's 2023 article, “Teens step in to make sure Chicagoans can vote today,” written by Nerieda Moreno, highlights the crucial role of students participating in civic processes. The article highlights testimonies by Max Beaver, a spokesperson from the Chicago Board of Elections, and Matthew Chico, a George Washington High School senior.
Max Beaver states, "High school judges are extraordinarily important on Election Day. They are our frontline workers." The City of Chicago has always faced challenges with having an adequate number of judges, so student judges are seen as necessary reinforcements.
Matthew Chico, the CPS senior, also agrees saying, "I feel like it's a very important responsibility to help people vote and make a difference in democracy."
Students who are hired will take a mandatory training course that teaches potential judges not only how to use the equipment but also the civic process and the importance of said process.
Becoming a student judge is a simple process. Students must complete an application at Chicagoelections.gov and submit the required form. If they are accepted, they will be invited to a training session where they will learn about the election day process. The training will cover how to use the equipment, how to set up and break down the election area, and the importance of ensuring everything is done correctly.
I worked as an election judge in the March primary elections of 2024.
At the training session, the instructors were very kind, helpful, and informative. On the day of the elections, I arrived at the assigned precinct location at 6 am. The mornings are usually very slow and quiet, with only a handful of people coming in to vote. The rush is around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but even then, it is very manageable.
There will be experienced election judges at the assigned precinct to assist if there are any issues or questions that judges have. This is also a paid experience, with the paycheck being between $170 to $230.
To see the list of qualifications and to apply by September 24, visit Chicagoelections.gov.
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