Facing a critical shortage of election poll workers, Cook County Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough on Tuesday joined Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady and Maywood Library Board Director Erica Sanchez to ask suburban residents to heed the call, help their local community, and get paid to volunteer as poll workers for the upcoming April 4 Consolidated Election.
The Clerk’s Office is seeking volunteers for around 1,000 open positions. Available trainings for poll workers run through March 28.
“Without our judges, there is no election – along with our voters, they are the crucial piece to the puzzle that is our democracy,” said Yarbrough. “That’s why we’re gathered here, from all different walks of government, to put out a call for action for the upcoming April 4 Election.”
Residents of all ages are encouraged to apply including veterans, college, and high school students, as well as bilingual residents, as the Clerk’s Office offers ballots to voters in 12 different languages.
“Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a seasoned Election Judge, each and every poll worker is crucial to the success of our election process,” said Sanchez.
The upcoming April 4 Consolidated Election includes candidates running for local municipal offices throughout suburban Cook County. These races include mayors, trustees, township officials, school districts, park districts, and fire protection districts, among other offices.
“It’s important to have a fair and balanced process – and how do we do that? By ensuring our polling places are well staffed – we can’t do this without you,” said O’Grady.
There are 1,430 precincts in suburban Cook County that require staffing by poll workers. The Clerk’s Office is seeking Election Judges ($250) and Polling Place Technicians ($385). Both assignments assist voters and work to ensure that the polling place is running smoothly. Payment for Polling Place Technicians is higher as they have additional responsibilities for voting equipment operations and setup.
New applicants for these positions must complete a required training course in advance of the election. They must also be available to set up voting equipment and serve on Election Day from 5 a.m. until the polling places close at 7 p.m.
Training classes hosted in several locations across suburban Cook County continue through Tuesday, March 28. After an application is accepted, residents will be able to register for a class using the Clerk’s Election Judge Portal. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
To apply to work on Election Day, go to www.cookcountyclerk.com/work or call 312-603-0970.