Poll Watchers Causing Issues In Lake Co.: Officials

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Some poll watchers have been getting into arguments with each other and being "overly assertive," overstepping their responsibilities at the polls in Lake County during the election, officials told Patch Tuesday afternoon.

Kevin Cullather, election communications specialist, told Patch in an email that some poll watchers on Tuesday have "had to be reminded that their responsibility is to observe the process and not their responsibility to assist voters or election judges." He said poll watchers representing Democratic and Republican parties have been "overly aggressive" in efforts to "personally verify voters' signatures."

In some cases, poll watchers have gotten into arguments with each other, according to Cullather. He said the issue was not "widespread" but is happening more than previous elections.

In a video shared online in recent days, Lake County Clerk Robin O'Connor said poll watchers' responsibility is simply to observe activity at the polls on Election Day and ensure election judges are following the process. If they see something they are not sure about, they can "politely" ask an election judge about it. They are not allowed to assist election judges or voters in any way, she added.

The election judges have the final say on verifying signatures and other issues that may arise on Election Day, O'Connor said.

Polls will remain open through 7 p.m. You can follow all Illinois Patch Election coverage here.