By Charley Poor

Line O’Type News Editor

Sometimes it feels like nobody can agree on anything in politics, but it feels like we’ve all come together on one thing ahead of this election–whatever happens, we are going to remember it for a long time. 

Do you want to have a front-row seat to history in action? Do you want an experience you can mention to your grandkids? Are you over the age of 16? If so, Rock Island County has something for you. By signing up to be an election judge for the upcoming November 3 election, you will find yourself at the vanguard of American democracy, working together with other judges to set up, man, and take down your designated polling place when the day comes.

In a Friday, September 9 interview, Rock Island County Clerk Karen Kinney explained that fewer of her normal volunteers have signed up due to their age and fear of contracting COVID-19. To compensate for the shortage of workers, she hopes to be hiring more high school students to fill the void. That could be bad news if not enough apply, and voters could see slowdowns on Election Day.  However, it’s great news for the enterprising student who wants a paid day’s work and an experience to write about on college applications or add to their college resume. Perhaps students might even want to be a judge just because it interests them and they want to do something to help their community and make sure Rock Island County’s citizens are able to vote in a timely manner. Do you think you might be one of these students? For additional information, including the quick online application, check the County’s election portal:

https://www.rockislandcounty.org/Elections/Home/

So if you’re interested in being a polling judge, sign up now! It’s a win-win for you and for the country.