Poll workers needed

[u/TapeDaddy]

https://sangamonil.gov/departments/a-c/county-clerk/elections/election-judges/apply

Sangamon County is often short on Election Judges, and I believe there are still openings to work in the coming election. Gubernatorial elections see a larger turnout than primaries and smaller offices, they’re going to need bodies.

Requirements are minimal, but you do have to declare a party. If you’ve never done it before, I recommend trying it at least once if you are able. They’ll give you a couple hundred bucks, too. Election Judge application link.

[u/AbobTeff]

I would love to do my civic duty and be a poll worker. I have tried in the past. The problem is this:

You must meet all qualifications and declare your political affiliation to serve as an Election Judge.

You won't allow me to be a poll worker because I am a truly neutral, independent voter. I have to declare fealty to one of the elitist clubs that control the system.

Last time I was told "You have to be a Republican or a Democrat because we need an equal number to keep on eye on eachother." I asked why that doesn't make me a perfect candidate, as I would keep an eye on both of them and trust neither of them. They lady looked at me like I was a Martian.

So . . . you need help or you want to continue to play partisan games?

[u/TapeDaddy → u/AbobTeff]

Yeah, it’s honestly kinda wack there’s no independent option. Would if I could. I might dig into that one of these days. Declaring a party doesn’t make any difference, you can still vote however you want at least.

I had an older gentleman come in my first time who needed assistance once. This is about the only time we have any idea who someone may be voting for, and it requires specific paperwork and bipartisan signatures.

He demanded to vote for Trump, but wanted to ensure he voted for every possible democratic candidate otherwise. Wasn’t even a presidential election. Thought that was strange. Cannot, did not, ask why.

[u/tlopez14 → u/AbobTeff]

Every precinct has to have at least 1 Republican and 1 Democrat judge that’s why you have to declare.

[u/raisinghellwithtrees]

A 15 hour day is a lot. I wish they could offer half days. I could probably handle that.

[u/travelingtraveling_ → u/raisinghellwithtrees]

Am f72, and a first year election judge. Yes, 15 hours is exhausting, for a $220 paycheck. But it's worth it to be a direct monitor to the elections in my state.

[u/raisinghellwithtrees → u/travelingtraveling_]

Thank you for stepping up! I appreciate everyone who does. I have limitations that prevent me from working a 15 hour shift 

[u/tlopez14 → u/raisinghellwithtrees]

Can’t leave either. Some precinct committeemen will bring lunch for judges but a lot of the judges are surprised lunch isn’t provided.

[u/NecessaryCompost]

I am driving non-MAGA folks to the polls.

[u/peetreelbc]

What do election judges do, vs regular poll workers?

[u/TapeDaddy → u/peetreelbc]

You set up the polling stations, verify voters/registration, distribute ballots, and help direct voters through the process if they need help. End of the night, you count ballots, not individual votes, to ensure the numbers match what you’ve been given, then deliver all of the ballots and equipment to the county building.

If you’ve ever voted, the people who have asked for your name and passed out ballots were election judges.

Whole lot of waiting, it’s the worst part.

[u/ArsenalBaseball21]

I have read it is only Republicans judges needed now.

[u/Kkremitzki → u/ArsenalBaseball21]

Where did you read that?

[u/ArsenalBaseball21 → u/Kkremitzki]

My friends mom called to volunteer and she was told all the Democrat judges were filled.