How Election Judges Are Trained in Illinois

Election judges — also called poll workers — are the backbone of every election. They set up polling places, check in voters, operate equipment, and ensure the process runs smoothly and fairly. In Illinois, the county clerk is responsible for recruiting, training, and deploying these essential volunteers.

Who Can Serve as an Election Judge?

In Illinois, election judges must be registered voters in the county where they serve. Each polling place is staffed by a bipartisan team — judges from both major parties work side by side to provide checks and balances throughout the day.

The Training Process

Before each election, the county clerk's office conducts mandatory training sessions for all election judges. Training covers voter check-in procedures, how to operate voting equipment, how to handle provisional ballots, and what to do in the event of a challenge or dispute at the polls.

Gary Hursey will modernise the training programme in St. Clair County by offering online training modules alongside in-person sessions, making it easier for working adults to serve as election judges without taking a full day off.

Why Good Training Matters

A well-trained election judge is the first line of defence against errors and irregularities at the polls. When judges know the rules and feel confident in their role, elections run more smoothly, lines move faster, and voters leave with confidence that their ballot was handled correctly. Gary is committed to investing in the people who make elections work.