Who's Who at the Polling Place - Campaign Free Zone (CFZ)

The Campaign Free Zone (CFZ) provides a protected area for the voter of 100 feet around the polling place as determined by state law and implemented by the Election Judges. The polling place is designated as the room containing the voting equipment and the 100 foot rule is applied from the entrance to that room. If the polling place is located on the second floor of the building the measurement is done from the elevator or staircase on the first floor. If the building is a church or school, the CFZ extends to the outside of the building even if it’s more than 100 feet.

The boundary of the CFZ will be marked at all of the entrances to the polling place with a chalk line. When in doubt ask the Election Judges what the exact boundary of the CFZ is. If you wish to challenge the measurements interpretation you can present evidence to the judges and ask for a vote. A simply majority of Election Judges will decide what action(s) to take.

As in all cases of a challenge to a Judge's decision, Complaints and Questions can be made directly to the Cook County Clerk's Legal Helpline at (312) 603.0236. For addition information, the CFZ is defined on Page 62 of the Election Judge Manual or in the “Keep It Fair” pamphlet available at all polling places.

Election Judge Manual

Keep It Fair Pamphlet