Kane seeks students, bilingual residents as election judges

GENEVA -- John Cunningham might have an idea for students looking for extra credit.

If you're taking a class in government, why not get an additional boost in your grade for serving as an election judge?

Cunningham, the Kane County clerk, told members of the county board's public service committee he is working to get more juniors and seniors in high school to get election day off to work as judges. State law allows it if the student has a 3.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale.

"And they get $125," Cunningham said, appealing to the other normally pressing need for students.

Cunningham said he wants to contact government teachers in high schools throughout the county to learn whether they have students eligible who might want to serve. The enticement of some extra credit for getting involved in the election process might get more recruits.

It could help an even more pressing need of the clerk's office if that student also studies Spanish. Cunningham said the search continues for more Spanish-speaking election judges in certain precincts.

The county has 51 Spanish-speaking or bilingual judges lined up, said Joel Gonzales, an employee in the county clerk's office, but it could use 20 more.