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Perry County seeking election judges

By Adam Testa, The Southern

Friday, July 18, 2008 10:58 PM CDT

PINCKNEYVILLE - With record levels of voter turnout expected in November, Perry County is seeking people who may be interested in serving as election judges.

When the county board approved the names of some election officials at its meeting Thursday, County Clerk Kevin Kern told board member that about 50 more judges should be sought. In most elections, three judges in each precinct would be efficient, but this year, it would be best to have five in each, Kern said.

"Everyone's in agreement it wouldn't hurt to have more," he said.

After consulting with leaders of both the Democratic and Republican parties, Kern proposed having interested people contact his office. These names would then be brought before the county board to be approved as alternates, and then the issue would have to go before a judge and a public hearing before being officially approved.

Kern said issues arose in February's primary election where judges became ill days before the election or could not serve for other reasons. Having these additional judges would allow for smooth operations in November, even if some of these circumstances do arise.

"It's a sad state of affairs that we're 50 short," said county board Chairman James Epplin.

adam.testa@thesouthern.com

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