Chapter 2 – Basic Poll Watcher Rights & Responsibilities

2.D.5. Election Judges

From the time the election judges enter the Polling Place one hour before the polls open until the ballots are canvased, packaged and transported out of the Polling Place after the polls close, the election judges have exclusive jurisdiction over the Polling Place.

The election judges are actual judges. Any lawful decision is final. Election judges are not under the supervision of the County Clerk or the local Board of Election Commissioners. Election judges are under the supervision of the Circuit Court for that county.

While the Election Judges do preside over the elections, their power is not absolute. Any decision they make must be a lawful decision.

Election Judges and all other election authorities must follow the law when making decisions.