I was an Election Judge in Illinois yesterday.
It was an education for me. I learned a lot about Democracy. If you can, you should sign up to be an Election Judge too!
There are a shortage of Election Judges.
The pay isn't great.
The hours are long.
But the voters are grateful!
And your presence eases the voting process.
Link to Election Judge duties: here
It really is worth while.
Some things I learned about Democracy:
Most of the Election Judges are really old.
They like the job because they can sit in one spot all day....so someone who can move is needed.
The Judges don't see too well or hear too well....so they need someone who can.
They are not very well coordinated or mechanically inclined...so if you an put the voting booths together or handle the "Touch Screen" voting machine, the hand-held PDA that looks up the voter and precinct for "lost" voters, you are needed!
Plus an Election Judge gets to answer great questions!
- I've never voted before, how do I use this paper ballot? (Keep in mind, this person was at least 50 and spoke perfect English with no accent.)
- I want to vote but I don't want to declare a party so can I have both ballots? (Democratic and Republican)
- I marked a check instead of filling in the circle, do I have to get another ballot?
- The candidate I wanted to vote against is not on my ballot, why?
- If I declare a party, will I have to vote that way from now on?
- How come the Non-Partisan ballot doesn't have any Candidates?
- What if I don't know the people who are on my ballot, do I have to vote for them?
- Why do we have to vote for a candidate and for delegates?
- How come it says "Vote for Two" and there is only one name?
- I want to vote for "Hillary" and she is not on my ballot(Republican).
- I just moved here last week, why can't I vote here? (You can but it has to be a Provisonal Ballot)
or
- I just moved here and my voter card says my old address and voting place.
- I sent in an address change last week but I am not on the voter list here.
- I always vote Republican because they keep your taxes down. How come there is nothing about taxes on my ballot? (No tax referendum this time!)
- You mean the Big Election is in November?
See...you can answer these questions too! You are already qualified to be an Election Judge. Plus, you can read (and alphabetize, I hope!) and you are able to help people and keep a smile on you face! And, an added plus: you can number sequentially!
So think about being an Election Judge for the Fall! The Democracy really needs you!