Local Election Adjustments Made After Judge Shortages and Polling Site Changes
- ClarkLindsey
- Mar 16, 2020
- 3 min read
As concerns about COVID‑19 grew, election officials in portions of east‑central Illinois faced unexpected staffing gaps and last‑minute polling location changes. Both Champaign County and Macon County saw a significant number of election judges step down shortly before the 2020 primary. These shifts led to rapid training sessions for new volunteers and the relocation of several polling sites, including the one previously held at ClarkLindsey.
What Happened
Ahead of the March 17, 2020 primary, counties across Illinois worked quickly to stabilize their election plans. Many longtime election judges—individuals responsible for helping voters check in and cast ballots—cancelled their service after public health officials advised certain groups to avoid close public contact during the pandemic’s early phase.
In Champaign County, more than one hundred judges withdrew, far exceeding the usual turnover. The county clerk’s office brought in dozens of new volunteers on short notice, offering condensed training so they could assist more seasoned judges at polling sites.
Macon County experienced similar challenges. Its clerk reported that more than seventy judges stepped aside, many of them older adults who were following health recommendations to limit public activity. While enough replacements were ultimately found, many were new to the process, requiring additional supervision and on‑site guidance.
Some organizations and public facilities also opted to close their buildings to outside visitors during this period. As a result, several longstanding polling places—such as libraries, community rooms, and municipal buildings—could not be used. These closures prompted election authorities to redirect voters to alternative sites for the primary.
One of the affected locations was the polling place previously scheduled at ClarkLindsey. Voters assigned to that precinct were redirected to St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Urbana for election day.
Why This Matters
Shifts in election staffing and polling locations can influence how smoothly voters move through the process. When experienced judges step back, counties must quickly coordinate replacements to maintain safe and orderly voting environments. Ensuring accessibility is especially important for older adults and individuals who rely on familiar, nearby polling places.
These updates also illustrate how interconnected community organizations are during a public health event. As facilities make thoughtful decisions to protect residents—particularly older adults—election officials must adjust accordingly to preserve voter access while respecting safety needs.
For Illinois residents, the quick response from clerks and community partners helped keep in‑person voting available during a period of widespread uncertainty.
Key Details at a Glance
Champaign County lost more than 100 election judges shortly before the 2020 primary.
Macon County saw more than 70 judges withdraw under similar circumstances.
County offices trained new “emergency” judges to ensure coverage at polling sites.
Numerous buildings closed to the public, prompting polling place relocations.
The polling location formerly planned at ClarkLindsey was moved to St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Urbana.
Additional relocations affected polling sites in Mahomet, Rantoul, Champaign, Urbana, Ogden, Tolono, and other communities.
Broader Context
Across the country, the early months of the COVID‑19 pandemic forced election systems to adapt rapidly. Local governments had to balance public health considerations with the responsibility to keep elections accessible. Many areas relied on new volunteers, reconfigured voting spaces, and modified layouts to create safer in‑person options.
Champaign County’s experience reflects how communities worked together—residents, clerks, facility managers, and nonprofit organizations—to maintain continuity in civic processes. These lessons later influenced broader conversations about election resilience and preparedness during emergencies.
Source Attribution: This post is based on publicly reported information originally covered by Illinois Public Media.
