Chapter 12. Voter Assistance

12.D. Options Available For Voters Needing Further Assistance

12.D.4. Voter Assistance From Someone Other Than Election Judges

The voter can choose their assistant.

Both the voter and the assistant must sign an assistance affidavit.

The assistant will be given written instructions on how assistance shall be provided, including penalties.

The assistant's affidavit includes an oath to not influence the vote.

The poll watcher does not accompany the voter or the voter's assistant on the voter assist.

Relevant Illinois State Law

Prior to entering the voting booth, the person providing the assistance, if other than 2 judges of election, shall be presented with written instructions on how assistance shall be provided. This instruction shall be prescribed by the State Board of Elections and shall include the penalties for attempting to influence the voter's choice of candidates, party, or votes in relation to any question on the ballot and for not marking the ballot as directed by the voter. Additionally, the person providing the assistance shall sign an oath, swearing not to influence the voter's choice of candidates, party, or votes in relation to any question on the ballot and to cast the ballot as directed by the voter. The oath shall be prescribed by the State Board of Elections and shall include the penalty for violating this Section.

10 ILCS 5/17-14

In the case of a voter with a physical incapacity, marking a ballot in secret includes marking a ballot with the assistance of another individual, other than a candidate whose name appears on the ballot (unless the voter is the spouse or a parent, child, brother, or sister of the candidate), the voter's employer, an agent of that employer, or an officer or agent of the voter's union, when the voter's physical incapacity necessitates such assistance.

10 ILCS 5/19-5
Vote by Mail

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