Chapter 5 — Election Day.

4.A.1. Entering the Polling Place.

On Election Day, the polls in Illinois open at 6:00a.m.

The Election Judges assemble one hour earlier, at 5:00a.m.

Poll watchers enter with the Election Judges. No excuses.

When the Election Judges enter, the space changes from a public place to a Polling Place and all rules regarding the Polling Place are in force.

Members of the public can be in Polling Place to witness the examination of the ballot box, but they must leave the Polling Place before the polls open.

This is why it is important for the poll watcher to be on time and present their credentials before the polls open.

If the poll watcher is late, the Election Judges will still have to allow the poll watcher into the Polling Place, but at Election Judge's convenience according to their work load.