Chapter 7. While the Polls Are Open

7.A. Poll Watcher Entering the Polling Place While the Polls Are Open

The poll watcher should have their credentials ready before entering the Polling Place.

See: How Many Poll Watcher Credentials Shall a Poll Watcher Need?.

Patiently wait until an Election Judge is available.

Remain at the sign–in table.

Stay out of the way of voters and election workers.

The poll watcher cannot move around the Polling Place until the credentials have been presented.

When the Election Judge is ready, present the credentials.

When required to sign in, record the time when the poll watcher entered the Polling Place.

blue thumb  Rule of Thumb

Poll watchers are not required to sign the credential form in front of an Election Judge, but it is a nice touch.

Relevant Illinois State Law

Pollwatchers must present their credentials to the Judges of Election upon entering the polling place. Pollwatcher credentials properly executed and signed shall be proof of the qualifications of the pollwatcher authorized thereby. Such credentials are retained by the Judges and returned to the Election Authority at the end of the day of election with the other election materials.

10 ILCS 5/7-34
Primaries.

10 ILCS 5/17-23
General, municipal, special,
and consolidated elections.

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