Why a State-Wide Guide for Poll Watchers?

You will hear of threats and rumors of threats, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen.

It seems that every election cycle we hear that this-or-that group is going to send out poll watchers to be disruptive.

We have seen some poll watchers acting the fool, but not the predicted hoards. Let's hope that continues.

Here at the Illinois Poll Watcher Guide, we are committed to free and fair elections and in Illinois.

We are also committed to a non-partisan election system in Illinois.

And further, we are committed to safe, honest and efficient elections in Illinois.

The role of the poll watcher is, in itself, contentious. Usually, poll watchers are self-chosen from the most partisan of citizens. We are asked to set aside our partisanship and volunteer our time so that every other citizen experiences free, fair, safe, honest, efficient, and non-partisan elections.

Most often, when a poll watcher walks into a polling place, the poll watcher is regarded as a foe; someone who is only there to object to the actions of the poll workers.

Reading through poll watcher guides from across the state, we find a large field of opinion as to what is a poll watcher's duties, as well as a long list of "Do's & Don'ts" that are beyond the requirements the state sets.

These guides place restrictions on poll watchers, but they don't tell poll watchers what they are there to watch for. Much of what poll watchers walks into a polling place knowing is second-hand information, lore, and, frankly, hogwash.

Posing challenges to procedures is part of a poll watcher's duties, but only insofar as it protects elections and the rights of citizens. Poll watchers are also the eyes and ears of election judges and can point out problems that elections judges may miss.

Poll watching is a thankless, volunteer job that is essential to good government.

The Poll Watcher Guide — Illinois, 2024 thanks every poll watcher for their good work.