Chapter 2 – Basic Poll Watcher Rights & Responsibilities

2.A. Poll Watcher Requirements

2.A.2. Appointing A Poll Watcher

A poll watcher must be appointed by:

  1. A political party.
  2. A candidate running in the current election, or
  3. A civic organization, which:
    • As part of its written articles of incorporation, by-laws, or charter or by separate written declaration, has among its stated purposes the provision of voter information and education, the protection of individual voters' rights, and the promotion of free and equal elections;
    • Is organized or primarily conducts its activities within the State of Illinois; and
    • Continuously maintains an office or business location within the State of Illinois.
  4. A candidate or organized group of proponents or opponents of a ballot proposition.
  5. An organized group of proponents or opponents of a ballot proposition.

Basically, you can't walk off the street and be a poll watcher.

Your dad's bowling league cannot appoint you as a poll watcher unless the league by-laws state that they are a voter protection focused bowling league.

Further Information Regarding Organizations Who Sponsor Poll Watchers

If you are a civic organization, or an organized group of proponents or opponents of a ballot proposition, there is important information in 10 ILCS 5/17-23 regarding deadlines, eligible poll watchers and number of poll watchers per precinct which is outside the purview of this guide.

Go to: 10 ILCS 5/17-23(3.5).

 
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