The LaSalle County Board voted on Oct. 9 to raise the per diem for election judges to $300 per day for consolidated primary and general elections.

The issue drew extended discussion during the board meeting because the county clerk had recommended smaller increases, while the Legislation and Rules Committee unanimously recommended the $300 figure to address longstanding shortages of election judges.

County Clerk Beth (last name not specified in transcript) told board members she had secured roughly 240 prospective judges so far and said she was “way ahead of schedule.” She said judges asked for a minimum-wage equivalent and recommended $250 per day; committee members said $300 — about $20 per hour for a typical 15-hour day — would better ensure an adequate pool of qualified judges.

Supporters on the board said the larger increase would reduce last-minute shortages and help ensure precincts open on time. “We thought $20 an hour was a fair, very fair payment for that type of work,” said County Board member Thomas Traeger, summarizing committee reasoning.

Opponents, including board members who noted the clerk reported being “way ahead of schedule,” urged a smaller increase to limit taxpayer cost. Board member Mike Gadsen recommended $250, saying the county already had recruited many judges and a smaller increase could be sufficient. Finance implications were repeatedly raised: board members estimated each $50 increase would cost roughly $25,000 per election.

The board voted to call the question and then approved the ordinance by roll call. The clerk recorded 60 ayes and 11 nays; the motion carried.

Board members emphasized that training, mileage and other payments (class pay $20, test $10, pickup/return supplies $10, mileage where applicable) remain separate from the daily per diem. The clerk said many counties pay higher rates and provided comparative figures showing variation across counties. The clerk also said consolidation of precincts had been explored but is constrained by statutory township and precinct rules and would require a separate process.

The ordinance sets the election judge compensation at $300 per day and takes effect immediately for upcoming elections.