Cook County Clerk’s Student Election Judge Program Receives National Achievement Award (Cook County, IL) – The Cook County Clerk’s Office has received a 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for its “Defenders of DA’mocracy” high school Early Voting program, recognizing the initiative’s efforts to increase civic engagement and expand student participation in elections.
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon is being recognized during the 2026 NACo Annual Conference and Exposition, which runs through July 20 in New Orleans. The conference brings together thousands of county officials from across the country to highlight innovative government programs and share best practices.
The award honors the Clerk’s Office for developing the “Defenders of DA’mocracy” program in partnership with the Chicago Bears. The initiative introduced Early Voting sites at suburban high schools while allowing eligible students to serve as Election Judges during the March 2026 Illinois gubernatorial primary election.
According to the Clerk’s Office, 125 students served as Election Judges at participating schools during the program’s inaugural election. More than 1,100 voters cast ballots at the high school voting locations in a single day, giving students firsthand experience administering elections while encouraging civic participation among young and first-time voters.
Since 1970, the National Association of Counties’ Achievement Awards have recognized innovative county government programs that improve public services, address local challenges and promote efficient, cost-effective government. The awards span 18 categories and are considered one of the organization’s highest honors for county innovation.
The NACo recognition marks the second national award received by the “Defenders of DA’mocracy” program this year. In May, the initiative earned a national Clearinghouse Award from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission for excellence in election administration.
County officials said the dual national recognitions highlight the program’s success in expanding voter engagement while providing students with practical experience in the democratic process.
Cook County Clerk’s Student Election Judge Program Receives National Achievement Award
