Chapter 7. While the Polls Are Open

7.C. People Allowed In the Polling Room

7.C.3. Observers Allowed In the Polling Place

All listed observers must present either their credentials or official identification to the Judges of Election upon entering the Polling Place.

All listed observers may enter and remain in the Polling Place while Election Judges are performing their official duties, including before the polls open and after the polls close.

looking  What the Poll Watcher Is Looking For

All observers listed above are authorized to be present in the Polling Place under the same statutes as poll watchers.

They are subject to the same rules and restrictions as poll watchers.

  • They cannot handle election materials or equipment.
  • They cannot instruct a voter on the use of electronic election equipment.
  • They cannot instruct a voter on how to fill out a ballot.
  • They cannot instruct or assist a voter in casting a ballot in the ballot box or tabulator.
  • They must ensure that the secrecy of the ballot is not compromised.

Relevant Illinois State Law

  • Representatives of an election authority, with regard to an election under its jurisdiction,
  • the State Board of Elections,
  • and law enforcement agencies, including but not limited to
    • a United States Attorney,
    • a State's attorney,
    • the Attorney General,
    • and a State, county, or local police department, in the performance of their official election duties,

shall be permitted at all times to enter and remain in the polling place.

Upon entering the polling place, such representatives shall display their official credentials or other identification to the judges of election.

Uniformed police officers assigned to polling place duty shall follow all lawful instructions of the judges of election.

10 ILCS 5/7-34
Primaries.

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

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