More Republican election judges needed in Champaign County

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign County Clerk is once again emphasizing the need for poll workers this election season, especially Republicans.

Clerk Aaron Ammons said the biggest concern is having enough people on Election Day. He said they need a total of 325. Right now, they have 302 — but they’re short on Republican judges, with only 91 so far and 211 Democrats.

Ammons said the ideal break down would be 171 Democrats, and 154 Republicans.

“We don’t have enough election judges. We have to close polling locations, and if we have to close the polling locations, then that’s going to create inconvenience for a lot of the voters,” he said. “The lines will be longer at the locations that we do have, so that has a direct impact on the voters. It’s more of a stressful operation then for us as well.”

He said the goal is have everyone trained a month before Election Day at the latest. Ammons also said people should think about voting by mail .

For more information and requirements for being an election judge, click here . Those interested can apply through an online portal .

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