Didech Introduces Bill to Address Election Judge Shortage; Proposes Academic Credit to College Students Serving as Election Judges

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. — State Rep. Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove) has introduced legislation that would provide academic credit to college students who serve as election judges in Illinois. The bill, known as HB 995, aims to address the shortage of election judges in the state, and to encourage more young people to become involved in the democratic process.

“Strong democracies rely on the participation of their citizens, and that includes young people,” said Didech. “This bill will not only help to ensure that we have enough trained and qualified election judges, but it will also provide a valuable experiential learning opportunity for college students to gain hands-on experience in the electoral process.”

The bill has received strong support from Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega, who praised its potential to strengthen the state’s election infrastructure.

“Illinois has a long history of running elections that make it easy for everyone to vote, and this bill will help us continue that tradition,” said Vega. “As a former student election judge, I am thrilled to partner with Rep. Didech on this important civic engagement bill. By providing academic credit to college students who serve as election judges, we can not only increase the number of trained and qualified individuals available to administer our elections, but we can also encourage more young people to get involved in the democratic process and help shape the future of our state and nation.”

If passed, the bill would give Illinois universities and community colleges the flexibility to adopt their own policies regarding its awarding of academic credit for election judges. Students who receive academic credit would not receive monetary compensation for their service as an election judge. If signed into law this year, student election judges would earn academic credit beginning with the 2024 primary election.

Recently elected to his 3rd term in the House, Didech represents communities in Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Wheeling, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Indian Creek, Mettawa, Park City, Waukegan, and unincorporated areas of Vernon Township and Fremont Township. Vega was recently sworn-in to his first term as Lake County Clerk after serving as Chief of Staff to the Lake County Sheriff.