Election judges to receive pay raise for 2022 election

PEKIN (25 News Now) - Election judges in Tazewell County will make more money this year after the county board Wednesday night unanimously agreed to give the judges a pay raise.

The county government will pay judges $200 a day, up from $165. Election judges no longer work just on election day. Early voting lasts several days.

In a news release, Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman said the judges earned $135 before he took office in 2018. The following year, the county board agreed to raise their pay to $165, and now they’ll make $200 a day.

The maximum cost of this latest increase is $14,350, but Ackerman said the county saved more than that - almost $23,000 - from recent precinct redistricting.

Ackerman noted election day is particularly grueling as judges work at least 15 hours. They arrive at 5 a.m. to set up the polling place, and leave well after polls close at 7 p.m.

“Election Judges are the public oversight of our election process, guaranteeing that fair elections that follow the law take place, and we can not hold successful elections without these outstanding public servants,” Ackerman said in a statement.

Ackerman said Tazewell County election judges will make the same daily total as judges in McLean, Stark, Marshall, and Knox Counties. Peoria County judges are paid $165 a day, Fulton County judges make $190, Woodford County judges are paid $188, and LaSalle County judges receive $180 per day.

The lowest in the area, according to Ackerman, is Putnam County at $150. The highest is Mason County at $225 per day.

Meantime, Ackerman said he’s still recruiting new election judges to serve for the upcoming election. All Tazewell County schools are closed on November 8 election day, so teachers, school support staff, and students are encouraged to apply.

Prospective judges are asked to apply at the Tazewell County Clerk’s office in Pekin or call 309-477-2264, extension #3.

A training video for election judges is available on YouTube.

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