Election judges work in the polling places on election day.
They greet voters, check registrations, supervise the voting and count the votes at the end of the day-in short, they are responsible for running the election. In the suburban Cook County we staff 5 judges in every precinct. Under state law, local officials of the Democratic and Republican Parties appoint election judges. However, in every election, there are election judge vacancies that the parties do not fill, and the Clerk's Office can place people in those positions. Serving as an election judge is a wonderful opportunity to meet people in the neighborhood, help ensure the viability of the democratic process, and make a little extra money.