ELECTIONS-JUDGE COMPENSATION
The bill is expected to have a notable impact on local governments' budgets, particularly for those who conduct elections. By allowing counties to receive reimbursement for part of the costs associated with higher compensation for election judges, HB3072 may encourage them to recruit and retain more election judges. This could help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the election process, potentially leading to higher voter satisfaction and smoother operations during elections.
House Bill 3072 amends the Illinois Election Code to establish a reimbursement procedure for counties regarding the compensation of election judges. Under this bill, the State Board of Elections is mandated to reimburse counties up to $50 for any amount paid to an election judge that exceeds $100 per day. This legislative move is aimed at addressing potential financial burdens faced by counties during elections, particularly in compensating individuals who serve as election judges, who play a crucial role in overseeing the electoral process.
Although HB3072 seeks to provide financial relief to local governments, some concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of the reimbursement amount. Critics might argue that the $50 reimbursement may not adequately offset the true costs that counties incur when compensating election judges. Additionally, there may be discussions around whether this change will sufficiently incentivize individuals to serve as election judges, especially during elections where demand for more judges typically exceeds supply.