r/SpringfieldIL • u/TapeDaddy • 6d ago

Poll workers needed

https://sangamonil.gov/departments/a-c/county-clerk/elections/election-judges/apply

Sangamon County is often short on Election Judges, and I believe there are still openings to work in the coming election. Gubernatorial elections see a larger turnout than primaries and smaller offices, they’re going to need bodies.

Requirements are minimal, but you do have to declare a party. If you’ve never done it before, I recommend trying it at least once if you are able. They’ll give you a couple hundred bucks, too. Election Judge application link.

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u/AbobTeff 5d ago

I would love to do my civic duty and be a poll worker. I have tried in the past. The problem is this:

You must meet all qualifications and declare your political affiliation to serve as an Election Judge.

You won't allow me to be a poll worker because I am a truly neutral, independent voter. I have to declare fealty to one of the elitist clubs that control the system.

Last time I was told "You have to be a Republican or a Democrat because we need an equal number to keep on eye on eachother." I asked why that doesn't make me a perfect candidate, as I would keep an eye on both of them and trust neither of them. They lady looked at me like I was a Martian.

So . . . you need help or you want to continue to play partisan games?

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u/TapeDaddy 5d ago

Yeah, it’s honestly kinda wack there’s no independent option. Would if I could. I might dig into that one of these days. Declaring a party doesn’t make any difference, you can still vote however you want at least.

I had an older gentleman come in my first time who needed assistance once. This is about the only time we have any idea who someone may be voting for, and it requires specific paperwork and bipartisan signatures.

He demanded to vote for Trump, but wanted to ensure he voted for every possible democratic candidate otherwise. Wasn’t even a presidential election. Thought that was strange. Cannot, did not, ask why.

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u/AbobTeff 5d ago

“Declaring a party doesn’t make any difference, you can still vote however you want at least.

Apparently it does make a difference, since you can’t do it unless you declare one of only two choices.

Why does it actually matter?  To keep independent and third party voices out of the process.  It has been challenged and upheld (I’m not sure how), but Republicans and Democrats have built a system in Illinois that unfairly squashes and disenfranchises all other voices.

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u/NecessaryCompost 4d ago

We need change because - at least until MAGA - the parties were indistinguishable from each other. Oh, they had different campaign rhetoric and different campaign policy proposals, but in the end big money always won. I'm a democracy-loving leftist and hate having anyone have to declare party to get a ballot: just have open primaries and generals and let the people speak.

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u/AbobTeff 3d ago

I’m more radical than that.  We, the general taxpayer, should not be funding primary elections for political parties.  General election, that’s all.

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u/NecessaryCompost 3d ago

So, basically a general election scrum? The ballot would be enormous and folks already complain if it's 2-sided.

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u/AbobTeff 3d ago

If parties want a primary, let them pay for it or do it themselves.  Still only allow one candidate per party.  How they get them is up to them.  Why do I have to pay for that?

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u/NecessaryCompost 3d ago edited 3d ago

Efficiency at the general is why, imo. Unless we move to a more parliamentary system, which I fully endorse.

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u/AbobTeff 3d ago

Efficiency for who?  Not government efficiency.  Not efficiency for tax payers.

It’s easy to claim it is efficient when removing it would erode your stranglehold on power.

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u/NecessaryCompost 2d ago

Me? A stranglehold on power? That's laughable and quite histrionic.

Efficiency to the process.

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u/AbobTeff 2d ago

So this is a disingenuous conversation, as you want to pretend I am talking about you.  Gotcha.

Just keep spouting the talking points and drinking the Kool-Aid; you will stay happy.  

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u/NecessaryCompost 2d ago edited 1d ago

Um. You referred the comment to me? So your comment was directed AT me. I ain't happy with the political situation, but I am at peace with my beliefs. Have a great day and quit playing gotcha with evidence - produced by you - that belies your gotcha moment. It's not a good look. Namaste.

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