Approximately 40 students gathered at Oak Forest High School to participate in a training session aimed at equipping them to serve as election judges. Under the guidance of Ryan Nagle, the social studies department supervisor for Bremen High School District 228, the students demonstrated enthusiasm for the opportunity, particularly as about 30 of them were first-time trainees. The setting was lively, with students actively engaged rather than disengaged, a noteworthy observation from Nagle.
The training program, which is part of a collaboration between the Chicago Bears and the Cook County clerk’s office, is known as the Defenders of DA’Mocracy. It aims to train high school juniors and seniors in their role as election judges during early voting on February 26, 2024. This initiative is designed specifically for faculty, students, and staff residing in Cook County. Oak Forest High School hosted one of three training sessions on January 7, with another session conducted at John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights.
Nagle emphasized the importance of young people’s participation in the civic process, noting that the program helps students build confidence and leadership skills. Previously, students could train as election judges, but this dedicated early voting day for schools marks a significant new development. He stated, “Students can sense that their role in democracy matters now, not just maybe in the future, because they’re actively participating in it.”
A key component of the training involves educating students about encouraging their peers to engage in the electoral process, register to vote, and understand their voting locations. Research from Circle indicates that barriers such as confusing registration deadlines, insufficient youth outreach, and a lack of educational curriculum on voting contribute to historically low participation rates among young voters. In Cook County, data reveals that fewer than 1% of voters aged 18 to 22 typically participate in municipal elections, and only 2% to 4% in midterms.
Nagle hopes that students will take their newfound knowledge home, sparking conversations about voting within their families. During the training, Diane Mullins, elections training manager from the Cook County clerk’s office, presented a signed football from D’Andre Swift, the Chicago Bears running back, to a participant, adding a unique incentive to the event. Nagle remarked on the significance of having a representative from the Bears present, stating, “It was really cool to have that out here, especially a couple of days before their playoff game.”
Each student received a raffle ticket upon arrival for a chance to win the signed football. Nagle recalled how civic engagement opportunities were rarely discussed when he began his career over two decades ago. Excitement among students who had previously served as election judges has helped promote the program, with recommendations spreading through word of mouth.
Though each school can only nominate up to eight students for this specific program, Nagle noted that those interested in participating in the usual election day can apply for separate training. The pilot program also aims to increase voter turnout by allowing school staff to vote during their lunch breaks.
As Nagle concluded, “To have them have that option to come down on their lunch and vote, that’s something.” The Defenders of DA’Mocracy initiative not only empowers students but also seeks to create a more informed and engaged electorate, bridging the gap between youth and civic participation.
