Poll Workers Needed On North Shore For Nov. 6 Election

NORTHFIELD, IL — Thousands of poll workers are needed ahead of Election Day throughout suburban Cook County. According to the Cook County Clerk's Office, workers are especially needed in Northfield, Glenview and Northbrook.

"Democracy doesn't just happen," said. Cook County Clerk David Orr. "It depends on election judges and equipment managers who serve voters and keep the precincts running smoothly each Election Day."

More than 7,000 poll workers are needed throughout suburban Cook County on Election Day. All workers must complete required training before the one-day job on Nov. 6, which involves working from 5 a.m. until the vote totals are transmitted and the voting equipment is packed up.

There are two positions available: election judge and equipment manager. Both jobs are responsible for helping voters and ensuring the polling place is running smoothly. Election judges earn $200 and equipment managers earn $340. Equipment managers receive extra training and have additional responsibilities for taking care of voting equipment and delivering materials from each precinct to nearby receiving stations.

Orr emphasized the need for bilingual poll workers in a release. He said workers able to help voters who speak Chinese, Korean, Spanish and Southeast Asian languages were especially needed.

“Our poll workers must serve every one of these voters, and that includes people who may be more comfortable with their native languages, particularly if they have questions about the voting process,” Orr said.

College and high school juniors and seniors were also encouraged to become poll workers. Students must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and only college students may become equipment managers. Other locations most in need of poll workers include Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates and Elk Grove Village, as well as a few southwestern suburbs, according to the clerk's office.

Those interested in working at the polls on Election Day should apply soon to allow time to take part in required training classes.

Prospective Election Day workers should apply online at the Cook County Clerk website, email Elect.Judge@cookcountyil.gov or call 312-603-0965.