Ramblers Serve as Election Judges Across Cook County on Election Day

After completing a four-hour training program, students assumed key responsibilities at their polling sites, assisting with voter check-in, ballot distribution, and maintaining the integrity of the election process. Several students who participated in prior years returned again this year, choosing to continue their involvement even beyond their coursework.

"There is no better way to teach about democracy and elections than to have students become part of the process," added Social Studies Teacher Mike Barry. "While it is a long day, beginning with setting up polling places as early as 5:15 a.m., students come away with a much greater appreciation for our system and all that goes into ensuring elections are fair and honest. Learning about elections and participating in them are two entirely different experiences."

Participation in election judging or campaign work is a required component of Loyola's political science classes, inviting students to move beyond theory and into active civic engagement.

The experience reflects Loyola Academy's commitment to forming students who are intellectually engaged, socially responsible, and committed to the common good. By participating directly in the electoral process, students lived out the call to be women and men for others, offering their time and energy in service of their communities while gaining a deeper appreciation for the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.