Chapter 2 Basic Poll Watcher Rights & Responsibilities, this link opens in a new browser tab.

2.A.2. Appointing A Poll Watcher

A poll watcher must be appointed by:

1. A political party.
2. A candidate running in the current election, or
3. A civic organization, which:
   • 3.5) As part of its written articles of incorporation, by-laws, or charter or by separate written declaration, has among its stated purposes
     • to provide voter information and education,
     • the protection of individual voters' rights, and
     • the promotion of free and equal elections;
   • Is organized or primarily conducts its activities within the State of Illinois; and
   • Continuously maintains an office or business location within the State of Illinois.
4. For a municipality with a population of 3,000,000 (three million) or fewer and extends into two or more counties, any of the candidates or organizations listed above can request poll watcher credentials for each of the counties.
5. An organized group of proponents or opponents of a ballot proposition.

Basically, you can't walk off the street and be a poll watcher.

Your dad's bowling league cannot appoint you as a poll watcher unless the league by-laws state that they are a voter protection focused bowling league.