Kane County Clerk’s office joins in National Poll Worker Recruitment Day Aug. 12
As part of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day on Aug. 12, Kane County Clerk John A. Cunningham is inviting Kane County residents to apply to serve as an election judge for next year’s elections.
“Election judges and other poll workers are critical to the success of our elections in Kane County. Our dedicated and hardworking election judges play such a vital role in every stage of the elections process,” Clerk Cunningham said. “While you see election judges at your polling location when you vote during Early Voting or on Election Day, election judges are also present at every step of the Vote by Mail process, from the creation of the ballot, printing and mailing, to the processing, signature review, and tabulation.”
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission designated Aug. 12 as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, as a day of action meant to assist poll worker (election judge) recruitment efforts in communities across the country. The EAC’s “Poll Workers Helping Americans Vote” initiative was announced earlier this year to raise awareness about the role election workers play in our communities, our nation, and our democracy.
The general primary election will be held March 17, 2026. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026, and is a state holiday in Illinois, providing additional opportunities for those who have the day off from work or school to participate as election judges.
Cunningham added, “I invite you to consider serving as an election judge for the upcoming elections. It is a rewarding experience which allows you to play a critical role in helping your neighbors vote and supporting our great democracy. I would also like to encourage students, teachers, and government employees who will be off on Nov. 3 to take advantage of the opportunity and serve as election judges.”
Information about how to apply to become an election judge, the requirements for the position, and election judge training can be found at clerk.kanecountyil.gov/Elections/Pages/Election-Judges.aspx, or by calling the clerk’s office at (630) 232-5990. Certified election judges receive $250 for working Election Day.
High school students are also encouraged to sign up to become election judges to have a chance to help promote democracy in their communities as well as earn some extra money for college. The requirements for student judges can be found at clerk.kanecountyil.gov/Elections/Pages/Student-Judges.aspx.
The clerk’s office strives to be the most transparent election authority in Illinois. Cunningham has developed innovative ways to serve the public, including expanding early voting, establishing a call center to resolve Election Day issues, developing a voter outreach program to increase voter registration and early voting, and improving technology. For more information about the 2026 election cycle, visit the clerk’s website at clerk2.kanecountyil.gov/Elections.