Chapter 6. Election Day, Before the Polls Open

6.D. Examine the Voting Machines

6.D.3. Check the Voting Machine

After the Election Judges have completed their examination of the voting machine, and before the polls open, the poll watcher will conduct a visual check of the voting machine.

The poll watcher is not allowed to touch or adjust the voting machine. If a problem is observed, the poll watcher will immediately inform an Election Judge.

6.D.3.a. Check That the Voting Machine Counter Is Set to Zero

The Election Judges have just verified that the counter is set to zero (0).

Check it again.

This is one of the primary reasons the poll watcher is present in the Polling Place before the polls open.

6.D.3.b. Check the Voting Machine for Electioneering Material

Check the voting machine for notes, stickers, graffiti, or other material that could be considered electioneering.

looking What the Poll Watcher Is Looking For

Straight party voting is not permitted in Illinois.

The prohibition against straight party voting has been in effect for many years. Voting machines should not be capable of straight party voting.

Nevertheless, confirm that the voting machine does not display instructions suggesting that straight party voting is allowed.

6.D.3.c. Check the Ballot Labels

Confirm that the ballot labels are straight and properly aligned with the corresponding voting selectors, whether physical or on-screen.

6.D.3.d. Compare the Facsimile Diagrams to the Ballot Labels

There must be at least two (2) facsimile diagrams posted in each Polling Place.

Confirm that the facsimile diagrams are posted on a wall near the voting machine and that they match the ballot labels.

▲
▼

While this guide is being updated, pages marked with "🚧" are still under construction.