Frequently Asked Questions

Judges of Election are responsible for the administration of election procedures in the polling place on Election Day.  They are in the position of ensuring that the election process is administered fairly and in accordance with the Illinois Election Code.

Election Judges are chosen by the Precinct Committeemen and by the Party Chairperson of your political party. In each precinct, the party which cast the highest average number of votes at the most recent three gubernatorial elections in the precinct shall be represented by three judges; the party which casts the second highest number of votes at the most recent gubernatorial elections in the precinct shall be represented by two judges

• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Be a registered voter in LaSalle County.
• Be of good repute and character.
• Be able to speak, read and write the English language.
• Be of good understanding and capable of performing duties.
• Not be a candidate for any office in the election and not be a Precinct Committeeperson.
• Vote in a Democrat or Republican Primary Election
• Be skilled in the 4 fundamental rules of math

Before each Election, Judge Training Classes are held. This covers the duties and responsibilities of Election Judges. A test will be given at the end of class.

Election Judges Conduct the Voting in the Precincts. The Judge duties include:

• Prepare the polling place for voting (Post signs, setup voting machines, etc.)
• Process Voters
• Demonstrate Voting Procedures
• Close the Polling Place
• Certify the Work Done
• Two Judges (One Democrat and One Republican) deliver the Voted Ballots to the Regional Site

Election Judges are paid:

• $185 Election Judge Base Pay
• $20 for Attending Election Judge Class
• $10 for Election Judge Class Test Completion

Payment for Training Session and Test Completion is only paid if you work on Election Day.

You may contact the La Salle County Clerk's Office by phone at 815-434-8201, or by email,  or contact your party chairperson - Email Katheleen Ford or Email Larry Smith, or stop in the office and express your interest in serving as a Judge of Election; or print out, complete, and mail the Judge of Election Application (PDF).

La Salle County Clerk
707 Etna Road
Ottawa, IL  61350