(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Like many election authorities across the country, Cook County was facing a shortage of poll workers. The number has dropped about 40% over the past eight years.
That’s why Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough put out a call to military veterans, asking them to work as election judges.
“I am thrilled to announce that we have had 2,050 individuals sign up as new election judges since we made that announcement three weeks ago,” Yarbrough said on Wednesday.
That’s a record number of sign-ups in such a short period of time, officials said.
“These veterans have answered the call to service, and their willingness to serve is going to ensure that our precincts will be well staffed,” Yarbrough said.
Cook County now has about 6,400 election judges signed up to work on Nov. 8.
Election judges are paid $200, and polling place technicians are paid $365. The Cook County Clerk's Office provides training for both positions.
You can find more details on working election day at www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/work-election-day.
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