Chapter 5 — In–Person, In–Precinct Voting
A. Before the Polls Open
8. Find A Chair
We discuss the problem poll watchers have with finding a place to sit in Chapter 11A, Where You Sit Is Where You Stand. For now, look for a place to sit where you can witness the examination of signature.
Know that 10 ILCS 5/7–23 requires a poll watcher "to station themselves in a position in the voting room as will enable them to observe the judges making the signature comparison between the voter application and the voter registration record card."
You also want a place where you can see the ballot box/tabulator.
You also want to be able to see the voting booths, but not close enough to the voting booths that you can see what the voter is voting.
The election authority has no obligation to provide a chair. You want to carry a folding chair in your car, just in case.
BUT, just as the election authority has no obligation to provide a chair, they also have no obligation to deny you a chair. If the lessor of the polling place provides chairs, you can use an available chair. Chairs are not election equipment.
If you do use one of the chairs on hand, be polite and keep track of the chair. Return it to where you found it when you are finished with it.