ELECTION JUDGE TRAINING

I have received correspondence from the Omicron Mu Mu chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. on a election judge training opportunity. They have partnered with Harvey IL Alderwoman Colby Chapman to schedule Election Judge training. The details have now been finalized, and I am reaching out to see who may be interested in serving as an Election Judge in suburban Cook County for the upcoming election.

ELECTION JUDGE TRAINING

Saturday, October 24, 2026
Thornton High School (15001 Broadway Ave., Harvey, IL 60426)
Training Day: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Below is the schedule for the Saturday training day:

7:00–8:00 AM: VSCs (Voter Supply Carriers) delivered and unloaded
8:00–8:45 AM: Trainers set up the room
9:00 AM–12:30 PM: FIRST TRAINING CLASS
12:30 PM: Equipment reset
12:45–1:45 PM: Trainer lunch break
2:00–5:30 PM: SECOND TRAINING CLASS
5:30 PM: Reset and pack up
6:00 PM: VSC pickup

You will have the option of attending either the 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM class or the 2:00 – 5:30 PM class. Registration and session information will be provided in the forthcoming flyer.

ELECTION JUDGE ELIGIBILITY

Election Judges generally must:

Be a U.S. citizen
Be a Cook County resident and registered voter at their current address
Be able to read, write and speak English
Be able to perform the duties of an Election Judge

Student eligibility: High school juniors and seniors and college students may serve without being registered voters, provided they meet the applicable requirements, including a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Candidates for office and elected political party committeemen are prohibited from serving as Election Judges. Registered sex offenders are also ineligible.

ELECTION JUDGE RESPONSIBILITIES

Election Judges work together to ensure that their polling place operates smoothly and voters are properly served. Responsibilities include:

Complete the required hands-on and online training
Help set up the polling place before Election Day
Assist and check in voters
Verify voter qualifications
Distribute ballots or activation cards
Operate voting equipment
Complete required election forms
Assist voters while maintaining a fair and impartial polling place
Process and transmit election results
Assist with closing the polling place and packing election equipment and materials

On Election Day, judges generally report at approximately 5:00 AM. Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but judges remain until the polling place is closed, results are transmitted, and equipment and materials are properly packed away. Cook County notes that most polling places complete the closing process around 8:00 - 8:30 PM.

Judges are also required to help set up their assigned polling place before Election Day with their fellow judges.

If you or someone you know are interested in becoming an Election Judge, please contact me directly and I will provide additional information.