Cook County Clerk and Chicago Bears Launch Student Election Judge Initiative

The Cook County Clerk’s Office has teamed up with the Chicago Bears to launch a new initiative aimed at engaging young voters by training high school students to serve as election judges. The program, titled “Defenders of DA’mocracy,” is designed to encourage participation among a historically low-turnout demographic, particularly those aged 18 to 22.

Seventeen-year-old Melissa Loch from Arlington Heights is among the first participants eager to make her mark in the electoral process. Having never cast a ballot, she is enthusiastic about becoming an election judge as part of this innovative program. “I want to get involved, help people vote and help democracy,” Loch stated during a training session at John Hersey High School.

The initiative launched this week, with approximately 150 students from two dozen high schools across suburban Cook County participating in training sessions. These students will learn to operate polling places and will run early voting sites at their schools for the upcoming primary elections on March 2, 2026. The early voting at schools will take place on February 26, 2026, providing a unique opportunity for students to engage their peers in the voting process.

Motivating youth participation in local elections has been a long-standing goal for the Cook County Clerk’s Office. According to Edmund Michalowski, Deputy Clerk of Elections, young voters have historically participated at lower rates than older adults. Data from the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University indicates that while youth voter turnout has increased in recent years, significant barriers remain. A recent poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research highlighted that many young adults feel less engaged in politics and are less likely to view voting as important.

In Cook County, voter turnout among those aged 18 to 22 is notably low, with less than 1% participating in municipal elections, 2-4% in midterm elections, and under 5% during presidential cycles. Factors contributing to this trend include complex registration processes and a lack of outreach to young voters.

The “Defenders of DA’mocracy” program aims to bridge this gap by meeting young voters where they are. By appointing students as election judges, the initiative seeks to instill a sense of ownership and responsibility regarding the electoral process. While the practice of appointing high school students as election judges is not new, this program distinguishes itself by establishing on-campus early voting sites exclusively for students and staff.

The Chicago Bears have lent their support to the initiative, providing team-branded merchandise and encouraging messages to participants. During a recent training session, students received a video greeting from the Bears, reinforcing the importance of civic engagement. Monica Gordon, the Cook County Clerk, emphasized the significance of strong elections, comparing them to a successful game plan. “Strong elections don’t just happen. They depend on people who show up, learn their roles, and work together,” she stated while wearing a Bears jersey promoting the initiative.

Gordon noted the low turnout rates among young voters in Cook County as a pressing concern. “If we don’t address this, there’s danger in our future,” she said. She expressed hope that the program could inspire similar initiatives across Illinois and eventually nationwide, fostering a more informed electorate.

In addition to the practical training, students completed a written test to assess their knowledge as potential election judges. Erik Kunicki, a junior at Buffalo Grove High School, expressed his passion for local elections and their impact on daily life. He hopes the initiative will help others recognize the importance of voting and reduce any apprehensions they may have about participating in elections.

This collaboration between the Cook County Clerk’s Office and the Chicago Bears marks a significant step towards fostering civic engagement among youth. By empowering students to take on active roles in the electoral process, the initiative aims to create a new generation of informed voters who appreciate the value of their participation in democracy.