Illinois Working To Get More Election Judges Amid Shortage

QUINCY, IL (AP) - Efforts are underway to fill the void of election judges in Illinois.

The Herald-Whig reports that state lawmakers are considering a proposal that would let county clerks operate polling places with three election judges instead of five. State lawmakers previously gave county clerks the ability to get help from high school students.

Cris Cray is the director of legislation at the Illinois State Board of Elections. She says election judges are getting older and the state is having a difficult time finding replacements for those who can no longer serve.

Adams County Clerk Chuck Venvertloh says the county's 74 precincts require 370 election judges. He says the county typically has 250 to 280 election judges working.

Election judges check in voters, verify signatures, watch the ballot box and prevent electioneering.

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