Cook County Clerk honors election judges

Cook County Clerk David Orr honored nearly 65 of the county's nearly 10,000 election judges from throughout suburban Cook County last week at the ninth annual Judge Recognition Ceremony.

Orr lauded the guests for their outstanding efforts and dedication as election judges and equipment managers. "We know that each polling place is in excellent hands when you're on duty."

The honorees ranged in age from 20 to 87. Crestwood resident Lois Nutley was honored for her 45 years of service.

Equipment manager Miriam Acevedo of Cicero recalled helping an elderly woman that had just become a citizen vote for the first time. "She was not allowed to vote in her home country and was worried that she would vote incorrectly and get in trouble. We worked through it together and the smile she had on her face was all the reward I needed."

Honorees from the Northwest suburbs by township were Barrington: Janice Dahm of South Barrington and Jang Koo of Hoffman Estates; Elk Grove: Hans Lim and EF Gina Smith, both of Mount Prospect; Hanover: Suzan Shipyor and Bennie Sowers, both of Elgin; Leyden: Linda Bachi and Dorene Brandstatter, both of Elmwood Park; Maine: Zbigniew Iwaniszyn of Niles and Abba Rabinovitz of Des Plaines; Palatine: John Dorman of Arlington Heights and Fredricka Thigpen of Palatine; Schaumburg: Isabel Lopez and Pralhad Patil, both of Schaumburg; and Wheeling: Daniel Hostetler of Mount Prospect and Lenore Stevens of Arlington Heights.

Election judges are responsible for preparing their designated polling place, setting up election equipment, assisting voters and securing votes at the end of the night. All judges attend regular trainings each election cycle to learn new policies, procedures and techniques. Anyone interested in learning how to apply to become a poll worker can visit the clerk's website for details.