Respect election judges

Now that early voting has begun, and Nov. 3 will be here before we know it, I want to express my deep appreciation for the men and women who are serving as election judges. Many of these people are in high-risk categories for COVID-19, and they are, literally, risking their lives and the lives of their families to perform this honorable civic responsibility. Recently, the state of Illinois decided that voters will not be required to wear a mask in polling places. Given rising infection rates in Kane County, and in nearly every state in the country, I urge everyone to wear a mask at the polls. You may be planning not to wear a mask, perhaps as a way to express your skepticism or as an act of civil disobedience. Please reconsider. The best way to express your opinion about COVID-19 and our country's handling of this infection is with your vote in the election booth. Some 1,500 election judges, in Kane County alone, will be facilitating your right to vote. They deserve your respect. Vote responsibly.

Kevin O'Neill

Aurora