All you need to do is
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be a resident of and registered voter in the county**
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complete a training session before the election
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work a long (but rewarding!) day on Election Day
** Students enrolled at Illinois colleges and universities can serve as poll workers without being registered to vote in the county!
Illinois counties have programs for high school students as well! They have to meet certain criteria, but this is a great opportunity to participate in democracy even when you're not old enough to vote yet. Ask your school for more info, and make sure you leave enough time to get all the forms signed.
Another great reason to be a poll worker (beyond helping save democracy, of course):
You’ll get paid! In Illinois, election authorities generally pay each poll worker between $100-$200, and some pay even more.
