[Peace-discuss] be an election judge November 4th....Maybe/ Maybe not...............

[Tom Abram]

Jan - this information is unfortunately correct.  Election judges come
from the two "leading" parties.  I believe it's a per precinct basis.
The leading parties are determined by the average amount of votes in
the last three gubernatorial elections.  The party with the most in
the precinct gets more judges than the party with the second most.
The party with third, fourth, fifth?  Zero.

This causes a lot of problems for independents and third party
supporters.  You have to identify with a "corporate party.". You can
lose the ability to run for office as a different party or lose your
judgeship.  This also means the D's and R's are conducting all of the
elections in Illinois, including primaries.  Many Greens in Illinois
tried to participate in our first statewide primary earlier this year.
 Many of them had similar or worse experiences as Jan.  The D's and
R's should not be conducting the internal nominating procedures of the
Greens.  They have little interest in ensuring it's conducted properly
and fairly.  Mark Sheldon did send out a letter to judges last time
reminding them that there was a Green ballot available.  However, old
habits die hard.

The judge allocation needs to be changed to reflect these concerns.
Either by including at least one judge for each established party or
eliminating the partisan aspect and allowing independent judges to
serve.   A combination might be most favorable.

Tom Abram



On 10/6/08, Jan & Durl Kruse <jandurl at comcast.net> wrote:
> I certainly appreciate the call for folks to step up and help with
> this duty.  I decided this might be a good thing to help with too.
> So, I began filling out the online sign up form................
> However, in good conscience I have had to reconsider.
> When asked to choose a party affiliation one can only choose Democrat
> or Republican.  There are no other possible choices to pick from.
> That means as an Independent, Green, Socialist, or non-affiliated
> person you are therefore not allowed to sign up to be an election judge.
> It seems like discrimination to me.  Maybe that's why the last time I
> voted and asked for a green ballot the guy behind the table (a
> qualified election judge) snickered and thought that was funny.  What
> a system................. Looks like you are not able to work as an
> election judge without being a part of the "approved"  system.
> I await a call from the County Clerk to verify whether it is even
> possible for someone without a D or an R party preference to serve as
> an election judge.  I have a feeling I won't qualify................
> (see last item on the list below needed to qualify)
> Jan Kruse
>
> Mark Sheldon just called back and verifies:  Democrats and Republican
> only need to apply.
> This is an Illinois State law..........He suggests I take it up with
> Naomi .......  (HA HA HA)................
>
>>
>> Want to be an election judge?
>> For a half day training, you can earn $120 for serving on election
>> day November
>> 4.
>>
>> * Call the Champaign County Clerk's election office: 384-3724
>> * http://www.champaigncountyclerk.com/
>> * Online form for becoming an election judge:
>> http://www.champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/election_judge_form.php
>> * mail at champaigncountyclerk.com
>> * For more information:
>> http://www.champaigncountyclerk.com/elections/election_judge.html
>> --------------------
>> Election Judge Information
>>
>> Election Judges help guarantee the rights of voters are protected
>> on election
>> day. This page details the qualifications necessary to become an
>> election judge
>> and also some of the important duties and responsibilities.
>>
>>
>>
>> What are judges of election?
>>
>> 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 our
>> laws.
>>
>>
>>
>> What are the qualifications necessary to be an election judge?
>>
>> Be a citizen of the United States.
>>
>> Be of good repute and character.
>>
>> Be able to speak, read and write the English language.
>>
>> Be of good understanding and capable.
>>
>> Not be a candidate for any office in the election and not be elected
>> committeeman.
>>
>> Need to be registered to vote in the county.
>>
>> Each Election Judge is required to declare their party preference
>> so they can be
>> assigned accordingly. (See how are judges selected below.)
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>